Mike Benzie, Yahoo! Atlanta Editor
It's great for most involved that the NFL lockout ended, but if it had to continue, at least NFL star and Atlanta native Hines Ward would have been comfy. His custom-made dream home in north Atlanta was featured recently in Atlanta Magazine, and it's pretty spectacular.
>> Follow Yahoo! Atlanta on Twitter.
Ward told Atlanta Magazine writer Lisa Mowry that he's a big fan of HGTV, and he apparently played a big role in designing the mansion. He asked Atlanta designer and personal confidante Anthony Lacy to help him build his "final house," his "dream house."
The wide receiver said he kept in constant contact with the builders, even using "real-time, on-site" video conferencing while he was with the Steelers.
Ward, a former UGA star who has won two Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers, had an eventful offseason. He was crowned "Dancing With the Stars" champion in May. While in Los Angeles, he was pulled over and ordered out of the car at gunpoint in a late-night misunderstanding that was quickly resolved. In July, Ward was arrested under the suspicion of driving under the influence in DeKalb County. That case is pending.
Ward was sidelined for part of training camp with a thumb injury, but is now back on the field.
Several photos of the home are below, and the entire photo gallery (courtesy of Atlanta photographer Emily Followill) can be seen here.
Hines Ward
Ward's terrace level includes a pool room, weight room, poker room, bar, and a couple of television lounges -- not to mention the nearby "grotto" with an outdoor jacuzzi. Photos by Emily Followill.
Atlanta mansion Ward
The backyard takes advantage of changes in elevation to create the resortlike pool area and pool house. With its Mediterranean-influenced architecture, the Ward house has both modern and classic lines. Photos by Emily Followill.
Atlanta mansion
This home gym is where Ward keeps up his physique (at age 35, he is the current Pittsburgh Steeler with the longest tenure) and pays homage to his beloved UGA. Photos by Emily Followill.
Hines Ward3
Ward displays a large collection of game balls and jerseys, including some from famous Steelers like Terry Bradshaw and Jerome Bettis. Photos by Emily Followill.
111 comments