From Hines on his Facebook page

I wanted take a moment to thank all of Steeler Nation for the love and support. I'm sorry for the disappointing loss. I'm still depressed about it. We had a great year finishing 12-4 but our ultimate goal was to win the Super Bowl and we fell short. Hats off to Denver. I'm also getting lots of questions about retirement so let me set the record straight: I have no plans on retiring right now. I want to win another Superbowl. I don't know where the media is getting this info from but rest assured that when I decide to retire, you'll hear it from ME first. - HINES

 

love me some hines

 

that is very good news

 

Could Hines be the "Bettis" of 2012?

 

I love Hines and no doubt he'll go down as one of the greatest Steelers ever but it was very painful to see him riding the pine for most of that playoff game

 

I completely agree. I don't know if he's in Tomlins doghouse or what but they sure didn't use him nearly enough in the second half of the season. He still has the skills and ability to compete but somehow BA's pass happy offense didn't include much of those traits.

 

Maybe that's going to be a factor in his return next year. I would think that he would want a specifically defined role in the offense. This year, it seemed like he just dropped off the map. Maybe with specific expectations next year it won't be as painful.

 

He should have been out there..... :-(

 

What's worse is how...sad... Hines looked on the bench. I did not see that smile that I have grown used to seeing and look for every game. To be honest it kind of gave me an eerie feeling when they would pan in on Hines. I know...there will be cries for me to turn in my man card now.

 

Great news and I'm glad to be getting him back for the '12 season. Now, we need a new OC that can exploit the talent Hines brings to the team.

:FBAI!:

 

There were definitely times this year when I would have had Hines on the field, especially short yardage situations. Not only can he find the open spot, but he can block even if he is a step or two slower. I suspect BR and BA want everyone fifty yards down field. One game in particular, it was 3rd and goal from the 8, there is no one else I would have rather had on the field.

I have missed his smile much of the year. Don't know what happened with that. Hopefully he didn't lose his love of the game.