Thursday, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle and team captain, Cam Heyward joined the set on NFL Network. Heyward, 32, is entering his 12th year in the league, and not only will he be beginning his first season without Ben Roethlisberger under center, he also has a chance to play with his younger, Connor Heyward, who will be entering this year's NFL Draft.
Cam sat with LaDainian Tomlinson, DeAngelo Hall and MJ Acosta-Ruiz to discuss these topics and a lot more, including his thoughts on the Steelers newest quarterback, Mitch Trubisky.
“When I came to the Pittsburgh Steelers it wasn’t just I was a part of history. I was joining Mike Tomlin, the best NFL coach to me.”@Steelers DT @CamHeyward is in studio to talk about Tomlin, and what defines him as a player pic.twitter.com/pl6MItpJKt
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 8, 2022
"Mitch is a very different player than we've had," Cam said. "He's very mobile and he's able to move around in the pocket. Ben was able to move around at a younger age, not anymore, I'm sorry Ben, but [laughs], these are different times. Mitch can get on the run, complete intermediate passes, and he's going to be really good in the RPO game as well."
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin continues to receive praise from around the league
Cam also spoke very highly of Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin. It seems like there's just been this growing, ongoing theme about Tomlin of late that he's just such an incredible leader, and guys truly do want to play for him. What more could you want out of a man to lead your football team?
In regards to Tomlin, Cam was also asked about his favorite "Tomlinisms," and he did not disappoint:
What is @CamHeyward’s favorite Tomlinism?⁰⁰Easy: “Don't blink or I’ll cut your eyelids off”. 😂@Steelers | @NFLTotalAccess pic.twitter.com/ZtgrBemYFX
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 8, 2022
The Steelers Band of brothers
The Steelers franchise is well known for its family oriented values. Sometimes, they take that quite literally. From the Watt brothers, the Edmunds brothers, and the Davis brothers just to name a few, the Steelers aren't shy about keeping it all in the family. With Cam's younger brother Connor eligible as a possible late round draft pick for the Steelers, don't be surprised if the Steelers add just another brother duo to the team.
Steelers brothers Derek (right) and TJ Watt (left) pose during team picture day. | Steelers.com
“He is the jack of all trades… I think he can provide so many different avenues.”@CamHeyward shares what type of player his brother @ConnorHeyward1 is, and how he has been helping him through the @NFL scouting process. pic.twitter.com/rGj7g0q2RP
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 7, 2022
"I'm not just blowing smoke," Cam said. "Look what he did in college. He was able to run the ball then. Now, he's able to catch out of the backfield. Look at the screen they setup. You don't really see those tight end screens like that anymore. The thing I love about him the most, is his intensity of trying to be able to block."
Cam continues to be the unquestioned leader and heartbeat of this Steelers team. Even as he continues to age, it almost seems like he's still continuing to rise in talent level and impact on the game. As a 3x First Team All-Pro selection, a 1x Second Team All-Pro selection, and a 5x Pro Bowler, his skillset and leadership will continue to be needed as we enter the 2022 regular season, and an ever competitive AFC North division.
Did you enjoy Cam's comments on NFL Network this week? Are yinz still as high on Tomlin as most of these players are? And how bad would you love to see Connor join his brother Cam in black and gold? Click to comment below!
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