The Pittsburgh Steelers love a good pedigree story. When it comes to their players, part of that pedigree includes family connections both on and off the team. One player who fully encompasses the concept of "pedigree" more than almost anyone is defensive tackle, Cam Heyward.
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Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward with his mother, Charlotte, and his brothers Steelers tight end Connor and Corey.
Heyward's father, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward was also an NFL player. Now his younger brother, Connor Heyward, also plays for the Steelers as a tight end. The Heywards have long had connections to Pittsburgh, with family there. In addition, Craig played fullback for the University of Pittsburgh prior to the NFL, where he was primarily with the New Orleans Saints, but also for a few other teams including the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons.
Cam has been very passionate about his work in the community and carrying on his father’s legacy. The elder Heyward died of brain cancer when Cam was preparing to head to college. He was only 39 years old. Part of that legacy includes constantly looking for ways to give back to the neighborhoods he is a part of. It has earned him the Steelers nod for the Walter Peyton Man of the Year five times.
Steelers' Merril Hoge Surprises Cam Heyward With An Unknown Story About His Dad
In addition to playing for the Steelers, Heyward hosts a podcast called “Not Just Football With Cam Heyward.” Recently, Heyward hosted the show from the 2023 NFL Draft. During those few days, he had numerous guests come on and one of them was former Steelers running back, Merril Hoge.
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Former Steelers running back Merril Hoge in a game against the Chargers.
Hoge was selected by the Steelers in the 10th round of the 1987 NFL Draft and spent seven seasons in Pittsburgh before going to Chicago for a year. Hoge was forced to retire because of the effects concussions were having on his brain.
Since retiring, he has worked as an analyst for ESPN and now as a scout for the Steelers. Amidst talk of draft picks and scouting with Heyward, he mentioned that he once had a surprising interaction with his father.
“When your dad was in Chicago, he'd come from New Orleans, I had become a free agent. The 49ers tried to trade for me during the season, so I thought that was where I was going to end up. Well, two days before free agency, the Bears called and I’m like, ‘You just got Iron Head, why would you want me?’ They’re like, ‘No, we want to change our offense and be more versatile.’"
Hoge points out that Craig was a “power” guy and jokes that he would have been a great fit in the Steelers' offense. Jerome Bettis came into the Steelers organization as Hoge was leaving and Hoge compares the elder Heyward’s style to Bettis’.
“So when they signed me, I’m going in and your dad was there working out in the gym. I’m like how uncomfortable is this? I’m walking to workout with Iron Head who they’re gonna let go tomorrow. So we were teammates for about a day.”
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Cam and Connor Heyward's father Craig "Ironhead" Heyward during his time with the New Orleans Saints.
Heyward is shocked that he has never heard this story before considering how well he knows Hoge and how often he sees him.
“I loved your dad," said Hoge. "I had just great respect for your dad because when he was at Pitt, I was a fan of his. So we were teammates in a way in Chicago for a split second.”
Hoge said that when Cam came to the Steelers, he always kept an eye on him because he felt a connection to his dad.
“How proud your dad would have been of you, and was to watch you play, but then to watch you evolve as a player. You do some things now that are just ridiculous. You always have one play where you just absolutely annihilate somebody from a fundamental aspect.”
It is amazing to hear these old stories and nothing is better than a surprising connection like this. Do you remember when Hoge played for the Steelers? What did you think when he left? Click to comment below.
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