For the sixth year, and the third in a row, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is the Steelers’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, presented by Nationwide. The award recognizes a player’s off-the-field community service, as well as his playing excellence. And there is no doubt Heyward shines in both areas.
It’s Heyward’s love for his community, his dedication to making a difference, his giving heart and his compassion that combine to make him the ideal representative for the Steelers.
“Pittsburgh has meant so much to my family,” said Heyward. “To get to play in this league right next door to where my dad started his football career has been really special. It’s important to me to give back to this community that has blessed my family in so many ways.”
Heyward’s desire to give back is seen year-round, but he takes it to the next level during his annual “Cam’s Kindness Week,” where he reaches out to different factions of the community on a daily basis.
And this year, he put his focus on being a mentor to young people, to provide a voice to help guide them and be an example to them during what often is a critical time in their lives. Essentially, he’s working to help them be the best they can be.
“As a coach, you hope to have a guy like Cam on your roster,” said Coach Mike Tomlin. “Someone you can point out to the younger players and say, ‘You want to be successful? Study film like this guy, compete like this guy, serve your community and your family like this guy.’ He’s done all the right things on and off the field consistently for a long time now. You hope your young guys absorb that.”
When Cameron Heyward was asked the question, it was one of those moments with the potential to become uncomfortable, because you know it
