Hines Ward is trading the gridiron for the Ironman.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver is training for the 2013 Kona Ironman championships as part of the "Become One" program sponsored by Refuel's "got chocolate milk" campaign.
The 36-year-old Ward retired last spring. He holds the franchise record with 1,000 career receptions and was selected to the Pro Bowl four times. Ward is one of only two players in NFL history with 1,000 catches and two Super Bowl rings.
Ward, who won "Dancing With The Stars" last year, says he never ran over a mile during his football career but wanted to embrace the challenge of completing the grueling Ironman while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Two amateur athletes will be chosen to train with Ward for the race, which will be documented in the "Become One" web series.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press