Steelers' Mike Tomlin Created A Surefire Plan To Keep Veteran Cam Heyward Healthy

Pittsburgh Steelers star captain, Cam Heyward had a down year in the 2023 season. Many fans began to question his future, assuming his best days were behind him. Critics pointed to his struggles, but Heyward took it personally, turning the negativity into fuel for his motivation. He even screenshotted the comments, using them as a constant reminder to push himself to prove everyone wrong.

In 2024, Heyward has been nothing short of exceptional, silencing his doubters with a dominant performance on the field. His struggles in 2023 were largely due to a persistent groin injury that he played through, often on one leg. Despite the challenges, he pushed through the pain and gave everything for his team. Now fully healthy, Heyward is playing at an elite level, showing the world that he still has plenty left in the tank.

To keep his body in top form for the long haul, the Steelers are being cautious with Heyward's workload. He recently revealed that Head Coach Mike Tomlin has adjusted his practice routine, prioritizing recovery over traditional drills. Heyward has been spending more time in the water, a strategy aimed at maintaining his health and ensuring he can continue performing at a high level as the season progresses. He even shared that Tomlin has a new title for him.

"There has been a plan in place for me to stay upright and stay healthy," Heyward said. "I would like to be out there practicing more. Mike T has a prescribed plan, you know, he calls me the captain of the swim team."

Many expected Heyward’s inevitable decline after a career filled with accolades, especially coming off a season where he played through a significant injury. With questions about what he had left in the tank, some fans and pundits even suggested he should take a pay cut. 

However, Heyward wasn’t willing to entertain that idea. He knew his worth to the Steelers and was frustrated by the narrative that he should accept less.

Determined to secure what he felt was rightfully his, Heyward skipped the start of Organized Team Activities, making it clear he wanted a new deal. At one point, he even hinted at finishing his career elsewhere if the Steelers didn’t meet his demands. 

His resolve paid off when the Steelers eventually signed him to a three-year, $45 million contract, including $29 million in new money and $16 million fully guaranteed. This deal, which keeps him under contract through 2026, ensures Heyward will retire a Steeler and reflects his continued value to the team.

Steelers' Cam Heyward Having An Incredible 2024 Season

In the 2024 season, Heyward has silenced any remaining doubts, playing at an elite level and proving he still has plenty of prime football left. The Steelers’ decision to reward him has already paid off, as the team sits at 8-2 and is a legitimate contender. 

Heyward, who has long yearned for postseason success, knows his time is limited. With the team’s offense and defense both firing on all cylinders, he’s doing everything he can to stay healthy and help lead the Steelers on a deep playoff run.

#SteelerNation