Steelers Nearly Lost Cam Heyward To The Patriots

Over the years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been credited with making some incredible draft picks. That includes finding some diamonds in the rough, like center Mike Webster in the fifth round, receiver Antonio Brown in the sixth round, and Mel Blount in the third round -- not to mention the rest of the class of 1974. They have also been fortunate enough to get some outstanding players late in the first round, like TJ Watt and Cameron Heyward. Recently, it came to light that they nearly actually lost Heyward. 

The Steelers drafted Heyward with the 31st pick overall in 2011. Pittsburgh was fresh off their loss to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV and had the second-to-last pick. That draft was full of surprises, like the Atlanta Falcons moving up to take Julio Jones with the sixth selection. The chaos from that seemed to work in Pittsburgh's favor. They sat back and waited, and the outstanding defensive tackle from Ohio State fell into their laps. 

Recently, on an episode of Inside the NFL, Heyward spoke with the show's hosts, including former Steelers safety Ryan Clark and former New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. The former rival coach admitted that he wanted to draft Heyward that year, but the Steelers got him first. 

"I think back to 2011, man, we almost had you," lamented Belichick. "We had the first pick in the second round, and you went 31, and we couldn't trade up to get you. Man, what a career you've had. Congratulations, you have had a tremendous career."

The Patriots instead chose Ras-I Dowling, a cornerback out of the University of Virginia, with the first pick in the second round. He only played for two seasons with the Patriots. Heyward didn't waste any time chirping back at Belichick about his decision. He laughed and said that while he appreciated the compliment on his career, it wasn't just Dowling's spot where they could have taken him. 

"You had a chance in the first round," joked Heyward. "You took [Nate] Solder."

In the first round, the Patriots selected 17th and chose Nate Solder, an offensive tackle from the University of Colorado. Belichick quipped that Heyward might have been a good choice instead. Solder helped the Patriots win two Super Bowls, which is no small feat, especially considering Heyward just missed the Steelers' last championship opportunity. 

Solder might have been a solid team member, but Heyward is a six-time Pro Bowler, three-time First Team All-Pro, and the current Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. After signing an extension with the Steelers during the 2024 offseason, Heyward has gotten his wish to be a one-helmet player. In his 14th season, Heyward is proving that age is just a number. Through 10 games, he has had 39 tackles, six for a loss, and five sacks.

Steelers' Cameron Heyward Has Been A Solid Leader

Heyward came with the kind of pedigree Head Coach Mike Tomlin loves. His father played in the NFL, and his brother Connor Heyward is also a Steeler. Heyward, a lead-by-example guy, has been a solid presence for this team during his long career. He is a model example of the "Steeler Way," and his work ethic and grit set him apart. 

He uses his influence to help unite the team and guide the players. Recently, he said his teammates got "amped up" during the game against the Baltimore Ravens. Heyward told them they needed to channel that energy productively. He warned Minkah Fitzpatrick and former Raven Patrick Queen that if they get penalties, it can put the team at a disadvantage. 

Heyward is a part of what is unique about this squad. This team has been called special, possessing a "quiet confidence" not seen in other years. That confidence and belief in each other are factors in its success. 

How would Heyward have performed on the Patriots? Click to comment below. 

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