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Every professional sport has certain athletes that are overlooked outside of the cities they play for. The city of Pittsburgh tends to embrace and appreciate athletes that make a difference not only on the playing surface, but off of it as well. The Pittsburgh Steelers are extremely lucky to have Cameron Heyward as a part of the organization and while announcers on game day give him credit, he is extremely overlooked and under-appreciated across the league.
Heyward was drafted by the Steelers 31st overall in 2011 and was then tied to Pittsburgh long-term when he signed a contract extension back in 2020. We can start on the field with his five Pro Bowl nods and three selections as an All-Pro. Heyward has not slowed down, but only gotten better throughout his career. His 10 sacks in 2021 were the second most of his career, but one could argue adding nine passes defended, a forced fumble, fumble recovery and an interception could have resulted in his best career as a pro in his 11th season.
Steelers DT Cam Heyward gets introduced at Heinz Field back in 2021. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
The big number to keep an eye on isn’t his sacks, but rather passes defended. He has gotten better each and every year at disrupting the opposing quarterback’s plans right at the line of scrimmage. Time and time again, Heyward finds ways to bat the ball down before the ball travels a yard. He has also played in 15 or more games in every season other than 2016, providing stability as a big man up front helping the defense make plays year after year.
Maybe he doesn’t receive enough credit on the field due to playing alongside reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, but Heyward has made just as much of an impact as both of them. His has been reliable on a defensive line that has changed every year dating back to 2011.
Steelers Cam Heyward and TJ Watt celebrate at Heinz Field. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
His on the field accomplishments are mentioned more than what he does off the field, but it should be the opposite. The Heyward House, founded in 2015, is Heyward’s charity dedicated to helping today’s youth, per the foundation’s website. The initiative ranges from physical fitness for children, providing clothes and gifts for those in need, advocating for children’s rights, among much more. He preaches to children, and really anyone out there, that being doubted doesn’t mean one should stop him/herself from pursing dreams, per the “about us” page on the website.
His foundation comes from personal experience, severely experiencing bad asthma as a child. Heyward is passionate about helping today’s youth and it is not to make headlines, but rather to make a difference in the community that he has called home since being drafted. He is one of those guys who doesn’t want credit and if he could do it all silently without recognition, he surely would. With that said, it would be inappropriate not to thank and acknowledge him for all that he has done throughout his time in Pittsburgh. The city’s youth is in a better state than they were roughly seven years ago when the foundation was founded and Heyward is to thank for that.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin was quoted this year saying, “there isn’t a box he doesn’t check,” in regards to Heyward. Tomlin was spot on. Heyward does everything a fan base could ask for on and off the field and deserves even more credit than he already gets. The National Football League is full of good players and good people. Heyward deserves to be recognized at the very top of the list for overall difference makers for his team and community.
What are your words of appreciation for Heyward and his commitment to the Pittsburgh community? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
Heyward was drafted by the Steelers 31st overall in 2011 and was then tied to Pittsburgh long-term when he signed a contract extension back in 2020. We can start on the field with his five Pro Bowl nods and three selections as an All-Pro. Heyward has not slowed down, but only gotten better throughout his career. His 10 sacks in 2021 were the second most of his career, but one could argue adding nine passes defended, a forced fumble, fumble recovery and an interception could have resulted in his best career as a pro in his 11th season.
Steelers DT Cam Heyward gets introduced at Heinz Field back in 2021. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
Heyward does more for the Steelers than just sacks
The big number to keep an eye on isn’t his sacks, but rather passes defended. He has gotten better each and every year at disrupting the opposing quarterback’s plans right at the line of scrimmage. Time and time again, Heyward finds ways to bat the ball down before the ball travels a yard. He has also played in 15 or more games in every season other than 2016, providing stability as a big man up front helping the defense make plays year after year.
Maybe he doesn’t receive enough credit on the field due to playing alongside reigning Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, but Heyward has made just as much of an impact as both of them. His has been reliable on a defensive line that has changed every year dating back to 2011.
Steelers Cam Heyward and TJ Watt celebrate at Heinz Field. | Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO
His on the field accomplishments are mentioned more than what he does off the field, but it should be the opposite. The Heyward House, founded in 2015, is Heyward’s charity dedicated to helping today’s youth, per the foundation’s website. The initiative ranges from physical fitness for children, providing clothes and gifts for those in need, advocating for children’s rights, among much more. He preaches to children, and really anyone out there, that being doubted doesn’t mean one should stop him/herself from pursing dreams, per the “about us” page on the website.
His foundation comes from personal experience, severely experiencing bad asthma as a child. Heyward is passionate about helping today’s youth and it is not to make headlines, but rather to make a difference in the community that he has called home since being drafted. He is one of those guys who doesn’t want credit and if he could do it all silently without recognition, he surely would. With that said, it would be inappropriate not to thank and acknowledge him for all that he has done throughout his time in Pittsburgh. The city’s youth is in a better state than they were roughly seven years ago when the foundation was founded and Heyward is to thank for that.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin was quoted this year saying, “there isn’t a box he doesn’t check,” in regards to Heyward. Tomlin was spot on. Heyward does everything a fan base could ask for on and off the field and deserves even more credit than he already gets. The National Football League is full of good players and good people. Heyward deserves to be recognized at the very top of the list for overall difference makers for his team and community.
What are your words of appreciation for Heyward and his commitment to the Pittsburgh community? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
