How An Eager Steelers' Cam Heyward Is Passing Along His Knowledge To Younger Players In 2023

When the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Cam Heyward in 2011, they expected to be getting a stellar defensive lineman. What they didn't know is that with the 31st overall pick, they would be drafting the heart and soul of the team. Heyward has gone on to have an impressive career in Pittsburgh, to say the least. Over 12 seasons, the lineman has earned six consecutive Pro Bowls and three First-Team AP All-Pro honors. In addition, Heyward has been named captain since 2015. This is a role that he doesn't take lightly, and time and time again, he proves that he's the perfect guy for the job. 

With the Steelers welcoming a large and exciting group of newcomers, Heyward will once again be expected to take on a leadership role during the 2023 season. On Saturday following organized team activities, the veteran lineman was asked about how he passes along his knowledge to the younger players on the team. 

"You just try to be an open book and provide as much information as they want, and they can do with it as they want. But you know, these guys have worked their tails off in the offseason and they come with the right questions, watching tape, and I appreciate that because it's not only just me teaching them, it's a refresher course for me."

This isn't the first time that Heyward has taken guys under his wing. In 2021, it didn't take long for him to form a bond with running back Najee Harris, who was a rookie at the time. When Harris was accused of having minimal Christmas spirit, Heyward bought him a Christmas tree and asked him to send a picture of it once fully decorated. The two even referred to each other as "Big Unc" and "Lil Naj X" during 2022 training camp. When Kenny Pickett was brought on board to compete for the starting quarterback role in 2022, his locker was placed next to none other than Heyward. Similar to his relationship with Harris, the two have developed a bond.

The Steelers Like Linebackers Out Of The University Of Wisconsin

One rookie who has a particular interest in learning from Heyward's expertise is Nick Herbig. The linebacker out of the University of Wisconsin was drafted with the 132nd pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Herbig is ready to hit the ground running in Pittsburgh. Heyward touched on how Herbig and other rookies are coming in on a positive note. 

"All these guys we got, Nick included, I think they do a great job of coming and asking the right questions. They're open and honest, and I think that's a testament to our staff bringing them in. Then what they've done in college, I'm been a fan of a lot of these guys. Watching them come here, I think it just puts us in a good position, you know that these guys want to come ready to work."

In addition to Heyward, Herbig has also been talking with fellow linebacker out of Wisconsin, TJ Watt. Herbig first reached out to Watt back when he was in college, and the two have been in communication ever since. Watt even attended Wisconsin's Pro Day and gave Herbig some pointers. In 2023, they'll have the opportunity to take the field together for the first time.

The Steelers have gotten lucky with great players and leaders alike. On the defensive side, Heyward and Watt run the show as captains. As for the offense, it's expected that Pickett will take on a leadership role this year. Last year, Mitch Trubisky was named captain before Pickett took over as first-string quarterback. Pickett now has a year under his belt and is ready to lead the young Steelers' offense. 

What are you most excited to see this year, Steeler Nation? Who will Heyward's next rookie project be?

#SteelerNation