The Pittsburgh Steelers currently have multiple members of the organization (both past and present) being considered for the 2022 Off-Field Awards presented by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). The awards honor members of NFL teams, league staff, and media for their contributions and efforts in various areas according to Steelers.com. One of the nominees for the 'Good Guy Award' is Steelers' defensive tackle and team captain, Cam Heyward.
Photo via Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
The 'Good Guy Award' goes to the NFL player with the best qualities and professionalism in helping pro football writers do their jobs. If you know Heyward or have seen him throughout the years, he's always been beyond respectable, responsive, and accommodating during his press conferences and interviews with the media.
Heyward's nomination states:
"Heyward did not miss an availability for the 2021 season, and those on the beat locally said he never avoided a tough question as he offered open and honest discussions about everything from on-the-field issues to the impact of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. He was cited for consistently going 'above and beyond' to build an honest rapport with those who cover the team." - via Steelers.com
Photo via Steelers.com
Heyward wasn't the only member of the organization to be nominated for a PFWA Award. Steelers GM Kevin Colbert and former Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler were also nominated for both the Horrigan Award and Paul 'Dr. Z' Zimmerman Award, respectively. The Horrigan Award is given annually by the PFWA to the league or club official for his or her qualities and professional style in helping the pro football writers do their job. The PFWA's Paul 'Dr. Z' Zimmerman Award is given for lifetime achievement as an assistant coach in the NFL.
Here's what Steelers GM Kevin Colbert's nomination states:
"Named the Steelers' general manager in 2000, Colbert has been considered one of the most accessible executives for local and national media, offering interesting and valuable feedback on the Steelers' operation, as well as league issues. With the Steelers having won two Super Bowl titles during his tenure, Colbert is (stepping back) after the 2022 NFL Draft." - via Steelers.com
Here's what Steelers former DC Keith Butler's nomination states:
"Butler spent 23 years as an NFL assistant coach, the last 19 with the Pittsburgh Steelers until his retirement in January 2022. After a 10-year NFL playing career, Butler started his coaching career in college at Memphis and Arkansas State. His first NFL coaching job came with Cleveland (1999-2002) as the Browns' linebackers coach. He moved to Pittsburgh as the Steelers' linebackers coach from 2003-14, and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2015 and served in that position until his retirement. The Steelers led, or tied for the lead, in overall sacks each season from 2017-21, setting an NFL record in 2020 when they led the league for the fourth consecutive season. Pittsburgh also set the record for most consecutive games with a sack (75) during his tenure. He coached in three Super Bowls (XL, XLIII, XLV), all with the Steelers and was part of two titles." - via Steelers.com
One last item to note is that one of the other awards that is being presented by the PFWA is the Bill Nunn Jr. Award, named after the Steelers Hall of Fame scout. The award is presented to a reporter who has made a long and distinguished contribution to pro football through coverage. Bill Nunn was inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor as a member of the Class of 2018, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
Congratulations to Heyward, Colbert and Butler on your nominations and good luck! PFWA members are currently voting through May 1, and the winners will be announced May 9-13 and May 16-17. Stay tuned!
Do you think these candidates are all deserving? Click to comment below!
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