The Pittsburgh Steelers Cameron Heyward has proven to be more than just an exceptional defensive tackle. During his 12 years in the NFL, all with the Steelers, Heyward has received just about every nod and honor a player can get for his work on and off the field. Heyward has been to the Pro Bowl five times and has also been nominated five times by the Steelers as their Walter Peyton Man of the Year Award.
Steelers defensive lineman, Cameron Heyward (#97) stands on the field at Acrisure Stadium before a 2022 regular season game against the New York Jets. | Photo Credit: @JSKOPhoto, SteelerNation.com
Now that he is more of a senior member of the team and older than most of the players on the team, including his baby brother Connor, Heyward has taken on a bit of a “dad” role as a mentor to other players.
Steelers Cam Heyward Is Not Your Ordinary Dad
Heyward has been a Steelers captain seven times, if that doesn’t speak to the amount of trust and faith the organization places in him, not much else will. He is routinely looked upon to help mentor younger players, especially ones that are likely to also become team leaders, including Najee Harris.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 10: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers takes the field prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field on October 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Heyward told Teresa Varley, prior to the start of the season, that he feels he has trained for the role of mentor and accepts the torch that was passed from the players who helped him when he was starting out.
"I got my degree in education and I am still teaching," Heyward said. "I enjoy it. I had guys who taught me and I want to make sure I am an instrument, a vessel for guys that need to learn. Brett (Keisel), Aaron (Smith), Hamp (Casey Hampton), Hokie (Chris Hoke), Ziggy Hood, Steve McLendon, they all taught me and took me under their wing, and I made sure I learned from them."
"I hope the guys are sponges and appreciate it. I am never going to steer you wrong. I just want this team to be great."
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 19: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on December 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Heyward feels that having these messages come from someone who’s walked in their shoes means more. It is different than the kind of textbook lessons the coaches try to teach.
"I think it resonates more," Heyward said. "It's one thing for a coach to say it, it's another for a player who has been through it to say it. I have been through my share of battles. I think I have won more than I lost. There is going to be a level of experience I have over guys."
"If I can prepare you for those moments and not let you make mistakes, that goes a long way."
However, Heyward is not just the grizzled veteran who is there to help provide stability. He is an active force to be reckoned with. Heyward puts his money where his mouth is, so to speak, and shows up every game ready to be disruptive to the opponent.
Anyone who may argue otherwise needs to look at his stats from the last game. Against the Las Vegas Raiders Heyward had seven tackles, three tackles for a loss, two sacks, two quarterback hits, and one pass deflected.
.@CamHeyward vs. the Raiders 😤
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 26, 2022
💪 7 tackles
💪 3 TFL
💪 2 sacks
💪 2 QB Hits
💪 1 PD#WPMOYChallenge Heyward pic.twitter.com/6EzNNH2AOyThat made Heyward's PFF the highest-graded Steeler for the week with 90.2. If anyone thinks that is a fluke, that number is slightly lower than his average this season of 90.4.
The Raiders lined their rookie left Guard Dylan Parham up across from Heyward for most of the night and he undoubtedly felt what it is like to play against this tough Steelers defense. It was an absolute mismatch, with Heyward getting the best of him over and over.
At one point in the game, Heyward just plows straight back through Parham, sitting him almost in Raiders Quarterback Derek Carr’s lap, and got himself a sack.
Heyward might be in his 12th year in the league but he certainly isn’t playing like it. Anyone who thinks he is there just playing “dad” to the younger teammates will regret misjudging him. He is a critical component of this revitalized Steeler defense.
Cam Heyward celebrates a sack of Raiders QB David Carr / Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
How much of an impact do you think Heyward is still having on this defense? How do you think his contributions impact the other players? Comment below.
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