Cameron Heyward, a respected defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has not only showcased his skills on the football field but has also been lauded for his extensive community work throughout his 13-season NFL career.
At the recent NFL Honors event in Las Vegas, Heyward was honored with the prestigious 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. This recognition highlights his consistent commitment to philanthropy and his significant off-field contributions.
Having been nominated as the Steelers’ Man of the Year for the sixth time overall and the third consecutive season, Heyward expressed gratitude to the Steelers organization for providing him with the platform to make a difference. He credited much of his philanthropic drive to his late father, former NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, who passed away from brain cancer when Heyward was just 17 years old. Heyward drew parallels between his father’s legacy and that of Walter Payton, acknowledging the profound influence both men had on his life and charitable endeavors.
Reflecting on the significance of the No. 34, worn by both his father and Payton, Heyward emphasized his commitment to honoring their legacies through his ongoing philanthropic efforts. He stressed the importance of unity among NFL players in making positive impacts, urging his fellow nominees and winners to continue their inspiring work in improving the lives of others.
Heyward graciously accepted the award, recognizing it as a testament to his past contributions while acknowledging the continued responsibility to uphold Payton’s legacy through his actions. With unwavering determination, Heyward vowed to persist in his efforts to effect positive change in the world, urging his peers to do the same.
In essence, Heyward’s heartfelt words encapsulated his profound gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him, while also serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of selfless acts of kindness within the NFL community and beyond.
Cameron Heyward, who has spent his entire NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, made history by becoming the first defensive lineman to receive the Walter Payton Man of the Year award since Calais Campbell in 2019, and the first Steelers player since Jerome Bettis in 2001. This distinction places the 34-year-old Heyward among an esteemed group of Pittsburgh players, including Pro Football Hall of Famers Franco Harris (1976), Joe Greene (1979), Lynn Swann (1981), and Bettis.
The Walter Payton Man of the Year award, traditionally presented as the final honor at NFL Honors, is regarded as the league’s highest accolade. It recognizes a player for exceptional community service off the field, in addition to outstanding performance on it. Dating back to 1970, when legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas became the inaugural Man of the Year, the award was renamed in 1999 to honor the late Walter Payton. Last year’s recipient was Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Each of the 32 nominees received a $40,000 donation for their chosen charity, while Heyward was presented with a $250,000 donation in his name as the Man of the Year.
Heyward’s philanthropic efforts are extensive, notably through his foundation, The Heyward House, established in 2015. The foundation focuses on various initiatives, including combating childhood hunger, supporting education, promoting childhood literacy, and battling cancer.
Throughout his career, Heyward has amassed impressive statistics on the field with 80.5 sacks and 647 tackles. Equally impactful has been his dedication to community outreach, particularly evident during events like Cam’s Kindness Week. Despite battling a groin injury that sidelined him for six weeks during the past season, Heyward continued his commitment to spreading kindness. This included visiting hospitals, interacting with high school students, supporting bereaved children at The Caring Place, mentoring football teams, and providing clothing for young men through Craig’s Closet.
Inspired by his father’s legacy, Heyward initiated a collaboration with The Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation in 2017, resulting in the awarding of $40,000 in Voices of Hope Scholarships.
A year later, Heyward initiated Craig’s Closet, as mentioned earlier, drawing inspiration from his father’s experience of owning only one suit throughout high school and college. Operating as a branch of The Heyward House, Craig’s Closet has positively impacted over 700 men and currently operates in 16 locations.
Two years following the establishment of Craig’s Closet, Heyward spearheaded the Rufus and Judy Jordan Literacy Project. This initiative installed five Little Free Libraries in underprivileged communities, fostering a love for reading and learning. Additionally, Heyward launched a Blessing in a Backpack program, which has supplied more than 9,000 meals for children to take home over the weekend.
As a genuine role model for children in Pittsburgh and beyond, Heyward was spotlighted at NFL Honors. While his recognition as the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year arrived that Thursday night, it’s evident that Heyward’s dedication to giving back extends far beyond this occasion.
In his closing remarks, Heyward shared a heartfelt message: “Last thing, if you are a young child and you are part of the youth, just know, whether you’re struggling, you’re hurting, and you’re just looking for somebody to have your back, I’ve got you. So thank you so much, god bless, good night.”
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