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Cameron Heyward
Cameron Heyward
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Cameron Phillip Heyward (born May 6, 1989) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, and was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft. He is the son of former NFL player Craig Heyward and the older brother of NFL player and teammate Connor Heyward.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Heyward attended Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia, where he played for the Peachtree Ridge Lions high school football team. He was the 2006 Georgia Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year. The team tied for the Georgia Class 5A State Championship that same year. He totaled over 100 tackles and 16 sacks as a Senior. He was considered the 7th best football player in Georgia, and the 13th best defensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com.[1] He benched 335 pounds and squatted 510 pounds, and was considered a scholar athlete at Peachtree Ridge High School with a GPA of 3.2.

College career

[edit]

As a true freshman in 2007, Heyward was named a freshman All-American by Sporting News, Rivals.com and Scout.com after recording 30 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 2 passes broken up. The Ohio State Buckeyes went to the BCS National Championship Game with Heyward as a freshman, losing to Louisiana State University, 38–24.[2]

As a sophomore in 2008, he recorded 36 tackles and three sacks. The Buckeyes made it to another bowl game in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl against Texas, losing 24–21.

As a junior, in 2009, he had 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl, in which the Buckeyes won 26–17 against Oregon. Following his junior season, Heyward decided against declaring for the NFL draft, instead returning for his senior season with the Buckeyes.[3]

Heyward amassed 48 total tackles and 3.5 sacks in his senior season, returning an interception for a career high 80 yards against Miami. He led the Buckeyes to a berth in the Allstate 2011 Sugar Bowl, beating the Arkansas Razorbacks 31–26.

College statistics

[edit]
Season Team GP Cmb TfL Sck FF
2007 Ohio State 13 33 10.0 2.5 1
2008 Ohio State 13 36 4.5 3.0 1
2009 Ohio State 13 46 10.0 6.5 2
2010 Ohio State 13 48 13.0 3.5 2
Career 52 163 37.5 15.5 2

Heyward finished his career at Ohio State with 163 tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks.[4]

Professional career

[edit]

Pre-draft

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Coming out of Ohio State, Heyward was projected to be selected in the first round by the majority of analysts and scouts. Sports Illustrated ranked him the 16th best prospect and the fifth best defensive end prior to the NFL Combine.[5] Although he attended the NFL Combine, he was only able to perform the vertical after coming off elbow surgery in January. After the combine, he was projected to be selected in the first or second rounds because of the large number of defensive end prospects that were graded highly. At the conclusion of the combine, he was ranked the eighth best defensive end and the 26th best prospect by NFLDraftScout.com.[6] NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock ranked him the seventh best defensive end and 27th best prospect in the 2011 NFL draft.[7]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash Vertical jump
6 ft 4+58 in
(1.95 m)
294 lb
(133 kg)
34+14 in
(0.87 m)
10+18 in
(0.26 m)
4.95 s 35.0 in
(0.89 m)
All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day[8][9][10]

2011

[edit]
External videos
video icon Steelers select Heyward 31st overall
video icon Heyward introductory press conference

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Heyward in the first round (31st overall) of the 2011 NFL draft. He was the seventh defensive end selected in 2011.[11] On July 29, 2011, the Steelers signed Heyward to a four-year, $6.70 million contract that included $5.41 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $3.37 million.[12]

He entered training camp competing with veterans Brett Keisel, Aaron Smith, and Ziggy Hood for a starting defensive end position.[13] Going into the regular season, he was named the backup strong side defensive end behind Brett Kiesel. After wearing jersey number 95 during the pre-season of his rookie campaign, Heyward switched to No. 97 after Jason Worilds opted to switch to No. 93.

He made his professional regular season debut in the Steelers season-opener against the Baltimore Ravens and made one solo tackle as the Ravens routed the Steelers 35–7. On October 9, 2011, Heyward recorded his first career sack on Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, while also making two solo tackles in a 38–17 victory. During a Week 16 matchup against the St. Louis Rams, he made a season-high three solo tackles in a 27–0 victory.[14]

He finished the season with 11 combined tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, a pass deflection, and he blocked a field goal in 16 games. The Pittsburgh Steelers finished second in the AFC North with a 12–4 record and received a playoff berth.

On January 8, 2012, Heyward appeared in his first career postseason games and made four combined tackles in a 29–23 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos.

2012

[edit]
Heyward playing for the Steelers in 2012.

He entered training camp competing with Ziggy Hood for the vacant weakside defensive end position. Hood won the job, making Heyward the backup for the season.[15]

He played in the Pittsburgh Steelers' season-opener against the Broncos and made three combined tackles in the 31–19 loss. The next week, Heyward recorded a solo tackle and made his first sack of the season on Mark Sanchez as the Steelers routed the New York Jets 27–10. On December 30, 2012, he collected a season-high four combined tackles and was credited with half a sack on Thad Lewis during a 24–10 win over the Cleveland Browns. He was used as a rotational defensive end throughout the season and had 20 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks.[14]

2013

[edit]

Heyward began the regular season as the backup strongside defensive end behind Brett Keisel. He appeared in the Pittsburgh Steeler's season-opener and made one solo tackle in a 16–9 loss to the Titans. On September 22, 2013, he earned his first career start in place of weakside defensive end Ziggy Hood and finished the 40–23 loss to the Chicago Bears with one solo tackle. Heyward earned his second start during a Week 6 matchup against the Jets and recorded two combined tackles in a 19–6 victory. He remained the starting weakside defensive end for the rest of the season. On November 3, 2013, he made five combined tackles and earned his first sack of the season on Tom Brady, as the New England Patriots routed the Steelers 55–31.[16] In Week 14, he made a season-high ten combined tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection during a 34–28 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He finished the season with 59 combined tackles (35 solo), seven pass deflections, five sacks, two tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery in 16 games and 13 starts.[14] He finished second on the team (first among defensive linemen) with five sacks and led the team with 31 quarterback pressures.[17] Pro Football Focus ranked him 19th among all the qualified defensive ends in 2013.[18]

2014

[edit]

On April 22, 2014, the Pittsburgh Steelers exercised a fifth-year option on his rookie contract paying him $6.96M in 2015.[17]

Throughout training camp he competed with Brett Keisel, Stephon Tuitt, and Cam Thomas to be a starting defensive end. Defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau named him the starting weak side defensive end, opposite Cam Thomas, to begin the regular season.[19]

He started the Steelers season-opener against the Browns and made four combined tackles and sacked Brian Hoyer in a 30–27 victory.[20] The following game, he recorded a season-high seven combined tackles as the Ravens defeated the Steelers 26–6. On October 3, 2014, Heyward was fined $22,050 by the NFL for using abusive language towards an official during Week 4 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On December 21, 2014, Heyward recorded four combined tackles and was credited 1.5 sacks on Alex Smith during a 20–12 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The following game, he made a season-high six solo tackles, an assisted tackle, and sacked Andy Dalton in a 27–17 win.[14] He finished the season with 53 combined tackles (33 solo), a career-high 7.5 sacks, and four pass deflections in 16 games and 16 starts. Heyward played in 64 consecutive games during his first four seasons.[14] He received the sixth highest overall grade among all qualified defensive ends from Pro Football Focus in 2014.[18]

The Steelers finished first in the AFC North with an 11–5 record in 2014. On January 3, 2015, Heyward made two combined tackles in a 30–17 loss to the Ravens in the AFC Wildcard game.

2015

[edit]

On July 16, 2015, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Heyward to a six-year, $59.25 million extension that includes $15 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $12 million.[21][22]

Heyward began the season as the de facto left defensive end, along with Stephon Tuitt. He started the season-opener against the Patriots and recorded four combined tackles in a 28–21 loss. The next week, he made five solo tackles and sacked Colin Kaepernick as the Steelers routed the San Francisco 49ers 43–18. On November 8, 2015, Heyward racked up a season-high eight combined tackles in a 38–35 victory over the Oakland Raiders.[14]

Heyward finished the season with 54 combined tackles (39 solo), seven sacks, and two pass deflections in 16 games and 16 starts.[23] The Pittsburgh Steelers finished second in the AFC North with a 10–6 record. On January 9, 2016, he made a solo tackle and sacked A. J. McCarron during an 18–16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The following game, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost 23–16 to the eventual Super Bowl 50 Champions, the Broncos. Heyward was ranked 88th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.[24]

2016

[edit]

Heyward started at defensive end in the Pittsburgh Steelers' season-opener against the Washington Redskins and collected two combined tackles in a 38–16 victory. On October 2, 2016, Heyward recorded a season-high seven solo tackles, two pass deflections, and sacked Alex Smith a career-high three times, as the Pittsburgh Steelers routed the Chiefs 43–14.[14] During Week 6, he missed the first game of his career with a hamstring injury. His streak ended at 85 consecutive games and 49 consecutive starts.[25] On November 13, 2016, Heyward suffered a torn pectoral muscle during the Steelers loss to the Dallas Cowboys where he recorded two solo tackles. He announced two days later that he would be placed on injured reserve and would miss the rest of the season.[26][27] He finished the season with 22 combined tackles (17 solo), three sacks, and four pass deflections.[28]

2017

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In Week 4, Heyward recorded two sacks and a fumble recovery in a 26–9 win over the Baltimore Ravens, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[29] On November 27, 2017, Heyward recorded a season-high six combined tackles and had two sacks on quarterback Brett Hundley in the Steelers' 31–28 victory against the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. His performance earned him his second AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors of the season. After the season, he was named to the First-team All-Pro team.[30] Head coach Mike Tomlin elected to rest Heyward during a Week 17 win against the Browns as the Steelers had already clinched a playoff berth and first round bye.[31] Heyward finished the season with 45 combined tackles (30 solo), a career-high 12 sacks, and three pass deflections in 15 games and 15 starts.[14] Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 88.9, which ranked him tenth among all qualified interior defensive linemen in 2017.[32] He was also ranked 48th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.[33]

2018

[edit]
Heyward with T. J. Watt in 2018

In Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons, Heyward recorded 1.5 sacks and 1 tackle for loss in a 41–17 blowout win.[34] In Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers, Heyward recorded 2 sacks as the Steelers won 52–21.[35] Heyward finished the season with 51 tackles, 8 sacks, 3 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery.[36] He was ranked 88th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2019.[37]

2019

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In Week 4 against the Bengals, Heyward recorded 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble on Andy Dalton in the 27–3 win.[38] He was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl.[39] He was named First-team All-Pro for the second time in his career.[40] He was ranked 84th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.[41]

2020

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Heyward alongside Jurrell Casey at the 2020 Pro Bowl

On September 6, 2020, Heyward signed a four-year, $65.6 million contract extension with the Steelers.[42]

In Week 1 against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football, Heyward recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Daniel Jones during the 26–16 win.[43] In Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Heyward recorded his first full sack of the season on Carson Wentz during the 38–29 win.[44] Heyward finished the 2020 season recording 54 total tackles (30 solo, 24 assisted) four sacks, five stuffs, one interception and three passes defended.

The team finished first in the AFC North and hosted the Cleveland Browns at home in the AFC Wildcard game. Heyward was able to only record one solo tackle and one pass defended as the team ended their season with a 48-37 loss.[45]

He was ranked 57th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.[46]

2021

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Heyward during a game against the Cleveland Browns in 2021

In Week 1, Heyward recorded his first sack of the season on Josh Allen during the Steelers' 23–16 win over the Buffalo Bills. He also recorded four tackles (two assisted, two solo), one forced fumble, a fumble return for a touchdown and defended two passes.[47] He achieved his first multiple sack game when the Steelers tied with the Detroit Lions 16-16 on November 14, sacking Jared Goff twice.[48] Across the final three games of the season, Heyward made one sack in each on Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, and Lamar Jackson respectively.[49] In the regular season, Heyward recorded ten sacks, 89 total tackles (53 solo), one interception, nine passes defended, and one forced fumble.[50] He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned first team All-Pro honors.[51][52]

Heyward and the Steelers achieved another post-season appearance facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Wildcard round. During the game, Heyward recorded four tackles and a forced fumble that T. J. Watt returned for a touchdown as the Steelers ended their season losing 21-42.[53]

After the season, he was ranked 42nd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.[54]

2022

[edit]

In Week 16, Heyward had seven tackles, two sacks, and three tackles for loss in a 13–10 win over the Raiders, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[55] He was ranked 45th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.[56]

2023

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On September 14, 2023, Heyward was placed on injured reserve after suffering a groin injury in Week 1.[57] He was activated on November 1.[58] At the 13th Annual NFL Honors in Las Vegas on February 8, 2024, Heyward was named the recipient of the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.[59] Heyward was ranked 98th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.[60]

2024

[edit]
Heyward (97) taking the field before a game in 2024

On September 3, 2024, Heyward signed a three-year, $45 million contract extension with the Steelers.[61] For a tenth consecutive year, Heyward was named a team captain in 2024.[62]

Heyward began his season making four tackles (two assisted, two solo) in Week 1's 18–10 win over the Atlanta Falcons.[63] He made his first sack of the season on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert as the Steelers won 20–10.[64] On November 10, Heyward achieved his first game of the season recording multiple sacks. He was able to sack Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels twice to help the Steelers win 28–27.[65] He repeated this performance during November 21's 24–19 loss to the Cleveland Browns.[66] He finished the season being named to a seventh Pro Bowl appearance.[67]

2025

[edit]

While Heyward reported to training camp, he held out of on-field practices as he requested his current contract to be renegotiated for more money.[68]

NFL career statistics

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]
Legend
Bold Career high
Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
2011 PIT 16 0 11 10 1 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
2012 PIT 16 0 20 13 7 1.5 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2013 PIT 16 13 59 35 24 5.0 0 1 8 0 0 0.0 0 0 7
2014 PIT 16 16 53 33 20 7.5 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 4
2015 PIT 16 16 54 39 15 7.0 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 2
2016 PIT 7 7 21 17 4 3.0 0 1 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 4
2017 PIT 15 15 45 30 15 12.0 2 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 3
2018 PIT 16 16 51 29 22 8.0 1 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 3
2019 PIT 16 16 83 51 32 9.0 1 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 6
2020 PIT 15 15 54 30 24 4.0 0 0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 3
2021 PIT 17 17 89 53 36 10.0 1 1 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 9
2022 PIT 17 17 74 39 35 10.5 1 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 4
2023 PIT 11 11 33 25 8 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
2024 PIT 17 17 71 35 36 8.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 11
Career 211 176 718 439 279 88.5 8 7 9 2 0 0.0 0 0 58

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
2011 PIT 1 0 4 3 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2014 PIT 1 1 2 2 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2015 PIT 2 2 1 1 0 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2017 PIT 1 1 1 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2020 PIT 1 1 1 1 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1
2021 PIT 1 1 4 2 2 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2023 PIT 1 1 6 4 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2024 PIT 1 1 10 3 7 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Career 9 8 29 17 12 1.0 2 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 1

Personal life

[edit]

Heyward was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His late father Craig "Ironhead" Heyward was a former NFL fullback.[69] His father died from cancer, and Cameron was fined by the NFL for uniform violations when he displayed his father's nickname in an eye black message during the NFL's 2015 Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. Cameron stated that being part of the NFL was a blessing and he wanted to honor his dad and raise cancer awareness.[70]

During Heyward's freshman year at Ohio State University, he began dating Allie Schwarzwalder and proposed to her on New Year's Eve 2012 at Savoy. On May 11, 2013, they were married at the Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh Hotel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[71]

Heyward has three brothers. His younger brother, Corey Heyward, played college basketball for Georgia Tech.[72] His youngest brother Connor played as a tight end for Michigan State. On April 30, 2022, the Steelers drafted Connor as a tight end in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL draft.[73][74]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Cameron Heyward (born May 6, 1989) is an for the of the (). Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 295 pounds, he has been a cornerstone of the Steelers' defensive line since being selected in the first round (31st overall) of the out of . As of the 2025 season, Heyward remains an active player, having revised his contract with the team to continue his 15th year in the league. Heyward was born in , , to former fullback Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, and grew up partly in Georgia after his family relocated. At Peachtree Ridge High School in , he earned recognition as the 2006 Georgia Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year, recording over 100 tackles and 16 sacks while helping his team to a co-state championship. In college at Ohio State, he was a standout on the defensive line, earning All-Big Ten honors and contributing to the Buckeyes' 2009 Big Ten Championship and appearance. Throughout his professional career, Heyward has established himself as one of the NFL's premier defensive tackles, amassing 90.0 career sacks (as of the 2025 season) and ranking among the league's elite in tackles for loss. His accolades include seven Pro Bowl selections—the second-most among active defensive linemen—as well as four Associated Press First-Team All-Pro honors, tying for the fifth-most among all active NFL players. In 2020, he earned Second-Team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press along with First-Team nods from other outlets. Beyond his on-field success, Heyward is renowned for his off-field contributions, particularly through the Cameron Heyward Foundation, operating as The Heyward House, which focuses on empowering youth via educational programs, community outreach, and support for children facing challenges such as illness. His philanthropic efforts culminated in winning the 2023 NFL Man of the Year Award (announced in 2024), recognizing his excellence in alongside athletic achievement; he was nominated for the honor six times in his career.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Cameron Heyward was born on May 6, 1989, in , , to Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, a former fullback who played for teams including the , , and , and Charlotte Heyward-Wesley, a real estate professional. Due to his father's career, the family frequently relocated during Heyward's early childhood, moving from to New Orleans when he was six, then to , and finally settling in the area. Heyward grew up with an older half-brother, Craig Jr., a sister, and two younger brothers, including , who later followed him into the as a and fullback for the . Despite the relocations, the family retained deep roots in , where Heyward's grandmother lived, exposing him from a young age to the city's passionate Steelers culture and reinforcing their allegiance to the team. Heyward's father provided a powerful inspiration for his own football aspirations, instilling a relentless through stories of his NFL journey and emphasis on perseverance. The family's stability was upended when was diagnosed with a in the late ; he battled the disease for nearly eight years before dying from brain cancer on May 27, 2006, at age 39, leaving 17-year-old Heyward—a high school senior—to grapple with the loss alongside his siblings. This period marked significant childhood challenges for Heyward, including managing severe as a young child and navigating the emotional strain of his father's declining health and sudden death, all while his mother shouldered the responsibility of raising the family in .

High school career

Heyward spent his freshman and sophomore years at Whitefield Academy, a private college-preparatory school in Georgia, before transferring to Peachtree Ridge High School in , for his final two seasons. At Peachtree Ridge, he played both and , showcasing his versatility and athleticism on the gridiron. His family's frequent moves, driven by his father's career, had taken them to Georgia, where Heyward adapted quickly to the competitive high school landscape. During his senior year in 2006, Heyward emerged as a dominant force, earning All-State first-team honors as a defensive lineman and being named the Georgia Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year. He recorded over 100 tackles and 16 sacks, playing a pivotal role in Peachtree Ridge's co-championship in the state title game against School. The sudden death of his father, Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, from brain cancer in May 2006—just before the season began—plunged him into emotional turmoil, as he later described being in a " for a long time." Yet, this tragedy fueled a renewed dedication to football, channeling his grief into performances that honored his father's legacy as a hard-nosed fullback. With roots in Pittsburgh—where his father had starred for the Steelers and where Heyward himself was born—his high school success drew widespread attention from college recruiters. He received scholarship offers from powerhouse programs including Georgia, LSU, , USC, , , Michigan State, Ole Miss, and . Heyward ultimately signed with in February 2007, attracted by its storied football program and commitment to player development.

College career

Ohio State Buckeyes

Heyward joined the Ohio State Buckeyes as a highly touted recruit following a dominant high school career at Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia, where his performances as a defensive lineman drew attention from major programs. As a true freshman in 2007, Heyward quickly earned a starting role at defensive end amid injuries to upperclassmen, providing immediate depth and impact on the Buckeyes' defensive line during their undefeated regular season. His contributions that year were recognized with Freshman All-American honors from the Sporting News, highlighting his rapid adaptation to college-level play. Entering his season in 2008, Heyward solidified his position on the defensive line, rotating into key situations and building on his rookie experience to help anchor the front four against Big Ten offenses. By his junior year in 2009, he had evolved into a full-time starter at , delivering standout performances that showcased his power and versatility, including disruptive plays against the run and pass. In 2010, Heyward transitioned to a hybrid role, lining up at both and tackle to address team needs, which allowed him to maximize his 6-foot-5 frame and strength across the . As a senior , he provided veteran leadership by mentoring younger defensive linemen and emphasizing preparation and within the unit. His efforts were instrumental in Ohio State's Big Ten championship win and subsequent appearance in the , where the Buckeyes fell to Auburn, 31-26. That season, Heyward earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from both coaches and media, capping his college tenure with widespread recognition as one of the conference's top defenders. Throughout his time at Ohio State, Heyward made steady academic progress, majoring in human development and graduating in 2011 while balancing rigorous preparation. After his junior year, he opted to return for his senior season despite projections as an early-round draft pick, prioritizing team leadership, degree completion, and further development over an immediate professional leap. This decision allowed him to guide the Buckeyes through a challenging year marked by off-field issues, culminating in his declaration for the as a polished, experienced prospect.

College statistics

Heyward appeared in 52 games over four seasons at Ohio State from 2007 to 2010, starting 46 of them. His defensive statistics are summarized below.
YearGames (GS)Total TacklesTFLSacksFFINT
200713 (6)3310.02.510
200813 (13)364.53.010
200913 (13)4610.06.500
201013 (13)4813.03.501
Career52 (46)16337.515.521
Note: Games started for 2007 estimated based on career total; exact per-year GS not consistently reported across sources. Solo/assisted breakdowns: 2007 (21/12), 2008 (13/23), with totals for later years derived from career aggregates of 80 solo and 83 assisted tackles. In the 2010 season, Heyward led the Buckeyes in tackles for loss with 13.0. His performance in bowl games included notable contributions, such as 4 tackles and 1 sack in the victory over Oregon.

Professional career

Pre-draft and draft

Following his senior season at Ohio State, where he recorded 61 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks, Cameron Heyward entered the process hampered by offseason elbow surgery that limited his physical participation. He attended the Senior Bowl in , but did not take part in on-field drills, instead focusing on interviews with NFL teams and coaches. At the in , Heyward measured 6 feet 5 inches tall and 294 pounds, ran the in 4.95 seconds, completed 28 repetitions on the 225-pound , and impressed evaluators during interviews with his football intelligence and leadership qualities. Scouting reports highlighted Heyward's prototypical size, long arms, and upper-body strength as assets for a 3-4 , noting his ability to set the edge against the run and disrupt passing lanes with his pass-rush potential. Analysts praised his heavy hands and quick get-off from the line, projecting him as a mid-to-late first-round pick, though some expressed concerns over his inconsistent pass-rush technique and reliance on bull rushes rather than a diverse moveset. The selected Heyward in the first round, 31st overall, of the on April 28, 2011. He signed a four-year contract worth $6,705,028, including a $3,376,384 . Heyward, a native whose father Craig "Ironhead" Heyward had been a fan-favorite fullback for the in the , expressed strong motivation to join his hometown team, viewing it as a chance to honor his family's legacy and contribute to the franchise that shaped his passion for football.

2011–2013: Rookie years

Heyward began his career with the in 2011, serving primarily as a rotational player and learning the nuances of professional defense behind veteran on the right spot. Appearing in all 16 games without a start, he recorded 11 combined tackles (10 solo) and 1 sack while also contributing on special teams. His limited snaps allowed him to absorb the techniques and work ethic of established linemen like Keisel, Aaron Smith, and , focusing on fundamentals amid a deep defensive line rotation. In , Heyward's role expanded within the defensive line rotation, as he played in all 16 regular-season games and posted 20 combined tackles (13 solo) along with 1.5 sacks. The Steelers reached the playoffs as a wild card, where Heyward made his postseason debut, logging 4 combined tackles in a 29–23 loss to the . Injuries to key veterans, including foot issues that sidelined Keisel for four games, provided Heyward with additional snaps and helped accelerate his development into a more versatile contributor against both the run and pass. Heyward broke out in , transitioning to a full-time starter on the left after Keisel's midseason foot injury opened the door for consistent playing time; he started 13 of 16 games, achieving career bests with 59 combined tackles (35 solo), 5 sacks, and 7 passes defensed. His stout presence against the run was particularly noted, as he helped anchor a Steelers front that ranked 12th in the in rushing yards allowed per game (109.1), earning commendations from head coach for his improved power and leverage.

2014–2017: Breakthrough and Pro Bowls

In 2014, Heyward emerged as a key contributor on the ' defensive line, recording 53 combined tackles and a team-leading 7.5 sacks across 16 starts, marking his transition toward a more versatile role that included increased snaps at alongside his primary duties. His performance helped anchor a Steelers defense that ranked 16th in the in points allowed (22.0 per game), contributing to an 11-5 regular season record and a Wild Card playoff berth. Heyward built on this momentum in 2015, notching 54 combined tackles and 7 sacks in 16 games while earning team captain honors for the first time. That July 16, he signed a six-year contract extension worth $59.2 million, securing his long-term future with the Steelers and reflecting his growing importance to the unit. Despite a defense that ranked 19th in points allowed (22.8 per game), Heyward's consistency aided Pittsburgh's 10-6 finish and a playoff appearance, including a Wild Card victory over the where the defensive line pressured quarterback into three turnovers. The 2016 season tested Heyward's resilience, as a injury in Week 5 and a pectoral tear in Week 10 sidelined him, limiting him to 7 appearances with 21 tackles and 3 sacks. Pittsburgh's defense struggled overall, ranking 25th in points allowed (24.5 per game), but Heyward's leadership as a helped stabilize the front, including mentoring younger linemen like on technique and preparation. He missed the playoffs due to the season-ending injury. His efforts earned midseason consideration as a team MVP candidate for his impact despite the injury. Heyward reached new heights in , delivering a career-best 12 sacks and 45 combined tackles in 15 starts, earning his first selection and First-Team honors as the Steelers' defense surged to 7th in the in points allowed (18.9 per game). His dominance fueled Pittsburgh's 13-3 record and a Divisional Round playoff victory against the , where he contributed to holding Miami to just 12 points before a loss to the . Throughout the period, Heyward's veteran presence solidified the defensive line's leadership, guiding emerging talents like Tuitt in run defense and pass-rush schemes to maintain the unit's effectiveness.

2018–2021: All-Pro dominance

In the 2018 season, Heyward anchored the ' defensive line, recording 51 combined tackles, 8 sacks, and 3 passes defended while starting all 16 games. His performance earned him his second consecutive selection, building on his prior recognition as a foundational leader along the front. Despite the Steelers finishing 9-6-1 and missing the , Heyward's consistent pressure contributed to a defense that ranked 8th in total yards allowed league-wide. Heyward elevated his game in 2019, amassing career highs of 83 combined tackles and 9 sacks across 16 starts, along with 6 passes defended. These efforts secured his third nod and a First-Team honor from the , highlighting his dominance as one of the NFL's premier interior linemen. The Steelers' defense, bolstered by Heyward's run-stopping and pass-rush prowess, ranked 4th in points allowed (18.7 per game), helping the team to an 8-8 record amid a transitional year. The 2020 season presented challenges with the , but Heyward played in 15 games, tallying 54 combined tackles and 4 sacks while starting each appearance. He earned Second-Team accolades and his fourth straight selection, underscoring his reliability. On September 6, 2020, Heyward signed a four-year extension with the Steelers worth $65.6 million in new money. The Steelers' defense ranked 4th in points allowed (20.9 per game) en route to a 12-4 record and title, with Heyward's efforts integral to their top-10 finish in sacks (42). In 2021, Heyward achieved a personal milestone with 10 sacks—his career high—paired with 89 combined tackles and 9 passes defended over 17 starts, serving as a defensive captain. His leadership and production garnered First-Team honors and a fifth consecutive berth. Heyward's impact helped stabilize a Steelers defense that ranked 10th in total yards allowed (336.4 per game) during a 9-7-1 season, though they fell short of the .

2022–2025: Veteran leadership and extensions

Entering the 2022 season as a defensive captain for the eighth consecutive year, Heyward anchored the ' front with strong production, recording 74 combined tackles and a career-high 10.5 sacks across all 17 games. His leadership extended beyond the field, as he continued to serve as a vocal presence in the locker room, guiding younger players through a transitional defensive scheme. Heyward's performance earned him a selection and underscored his enduring impact at age 33. In 2023, Heyward staged a holdout during to negotiate a new contract, absent from practices as he sought better terms following previous restructurings of his extension. He returned in Week 1 but suffered a injury that required , landing him on injured reserve and limiting him to 11 games, where he tallied 33 tackles and 2 sacks. The Steelers resolved the contract impasse in , signing him to a three-year, $45 million extension that included $29 million guaranteed, affirming his value as a cornerstone of the defense. Heyward was again named a team captain, emphasizing his role in maintaining team morale amid the injury setback. Heyward rebounded fully in 2024, starting all 17 games and delivering 71 tackles with 8 sacks, contributing significantly to a resurgent Steelers defense that improved its ranking in points allowed. As one of the elder statesmen on a unit featuring emerging talents, he provided veteran leadership, particularly in film sessions and practice, helping instill discipline and technique in a younger front. His mentorship was evident with young players like , whom Heyward described as a "cheat code" for development due to his own willingness to share insights on hand usage and run defense. In September 2025, the Steelers and Heyward agreed to a revised for the 2025 season, adding $3.2 million in incentives. Through the first nine games of the 2025 season as of , Heyward has maintained solid contributions with 36 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks while serving as defensive for the 11th straight year. At age 36, he has continued his mentorship efforts, notably with Benton, praising the young player's progress in run stopping and pass-rush refinement during mid-season evaluations. Amid ongoing discussions for a potential raise on his 2023 deal, Heyward has hinted at retirement considerations after the 2025 campaign, expressing a desire to end his career on his terms while reflecting on a legacy that includes over 90 career sacks.

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Heyward has appeared in 220 regular-season games over his 15-year career with the , starting 185 of them. His defensive contributions include 754 combined tackles (455 solo, 299 assisted), 90.0 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, 8 fumble recoveries, 64 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions, with no defensive touchdowns. The following table summarizes his year-by-year regular-season defensive statistics:
YearTeamGGSSoloAstTotSkFFFRPDINTTD
2011PIT160101111.010100
2012PIT160137201.500000
2013PIT16133524595.001700
2014PIT16163320537.500400
2015PIT16163915547.010200
2016PIT77174213.001400
2017PIT151530154512.021300
2018PIT16162922518.011300
2019PIT16165132839.011600
2020PIT15153024544.000310
PIT171753368910.011910
PIT171739357410.511400
2023PIT1111258332.000100
2024PIT17173536718.0001100
2025PIT991620361.510600
CareerPIT22018545529975490.0986420
Heyward's sack production saw a significant uptick starting in 2015, following his transition to a more prominent starting role, with double-digit sacks in 2017 (career high of 12.0), 2021 (10.0), and 2022 (10.5). His tackle totals peaked in 2021 with 89 combined, reflecting his consistent run-stopping presence on the defensive line. As of Week 9 of the 2025 season (November 9, 2025), Heyward maintained his veteran productivity, contributing 36 tackles and 1.5 sacks in nine starts despite his age.

Postseason

Heyward has appeared in 9 postseason games over his career with the , recording 29 tackles, 1.0 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, though the team has not advanced to the during his tenure. His playoff performances have often mirrored his regular-season role as a disruptive interior lineman, focusing on run defense and pressure generation in high-stakes matchups. A notable highlight came in the 2016 Divisional Round victory over the , where Heyward notched a sack on , contributing to the Steelers' 18-16 win and advancing to the . The following table summarizes Heyward's postseason statistics by year:
YearGames PlayedTacklesSacksForced Fumbles
2011140.00
2014120.00
2015211.01
2017110.00
2020110.00
2021140.01
2023160.00
20241100.00
Career Totals9291.02

Awards and honors

Pro Bowl selections

Cameron Heyward has been selected to the seven times in his career, ranking second among active defensive tackles. His selections occurred in 2017, 2018, 2019, , , , and 2025, with the latter honoring his performance during the 2024 season where he recorded eight sacks and 71 total tackles. These appearances highlight his consistent excellence as a defensive anchor for the , contributing to his status as the franchise's all-time leader in sacks among defensive tackles with 90 career sacks. Heyward's Pro Bowl journey began with his first selection in 2017, following a breakout season with 12 sacks and 30 tackles, during which he earned First-Team honors. He participated actively in that game, recording 3 tackles for the AFC squad. This marked the start of a six-year consecutive streak of selections from 2017 to 2022, underscoring his reliability and impact on the Steelers' defensive line amid various team challenges, including playoff runs and defensive scheme adjustments. In addition to his primary selections, Heyward has been recognized as an alternate on multiple occasions, including in after a strong campaign with 7 sacks, and in 2023 when he was elevated from alternate status to full participant as a replacement for Chris Jones ahead of the . These opportunities further emphasize his peer and fan acclaim, even in years without initial voting success, and have bolstered his legacy as one of the NFL's premier interior linemen. His nods, combined with his sack record, position him as a cornerstone of Steelers history, second only to elite edge rushers in franchise defensive achievements.
YearSelection TypeNotes
2017Starter3 tackles in game; First-Team All-Pro season
2018SelectedConsecutive streak begins
2019SelectedFirst-Team All-Pro
2020SelectedSecond-Team All-Pro
2021SelectedFirst-Team All-Pro
2022SelectedEnded six-year streak
2025SelectedSeventh overall; 8 sacks and 71 tackles in 2024 season

All-Pro and other recognitions

Cameron Heyward has earned four First-Team All-Pro selections from the Associated Press in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2024, recognizing his elite performance as a defensive tackle. He also received Second-Team All-Pro honors from the AP in 2020. These accolades complement his multiple Pro Bowl appearances, highlighting peer and media validation of his consistent dominance on the defensive line. Beyond All-Pro honors, Heyward has received several other notable awards for his on-field excellence and professionalism. In 2017, he was named the Pittsburgh Steelers' nominee for the Man of the Year , and he earned the distinction again in subsequent years before winning the full 2023 (announced in 2024) for his outstanding alongside on-field performance; he was nominated for the honor six times in his career. Following the , his foundation faced scrutiny over its tax-exempt status, which had been revoked in 2022 due to filing issues but was reinstated in November 2023 through corrective actions. Additionally, he won the Good Guy in 2022, an honor given for his cooperation and accessibility to the media; he has also received the Pittsburgh Chapter Good Guy multiple times, including in 2014, 2019, and 2021. Heyward holds the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise record for the most career sacks by a with 90.0 (as of November 2025). His performance has been underscored by (PFF) grades exceeding 90.0 in multiple seasons, including career highs in 2024 at age 35, where he led all interior defenders with a 90.6 overall grade.

Personal life

Family

Cameron Heyward met his wife, Allie Schwarzwalder, while they were students at , and the couple married on May 11, 2013, at the Westin Convention Center Hotel. They have three children: son Callen, born in 2016; daughter Chloe, born in August 2017; and daughter Caia, born in August 2019. The Heywards reside in , where Cameron balances the rigors of his NFL career with active , often emphasizing the joys and challenges of fatherhood in interviews. During his 2025 contract hold-in with the Steelers, Heyward publicly cited the need to better provide for his family—despite career earnings exceeding $145 million—as a key motivation, underscoring their supportive role amid professional uncertainties. Heyward maintains strong bonds with his three brothers—Craig Jr., (a former player at ), and Connor (a and teammate on the Steelers)—while honoring the extended family's ties to their late father, Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, whose emphasis on resilience shapes their shared family values. In downtime, Heyward pursues hobbies like golf—often through family-oriented outings—and cooking, including hosting barbecues that foster quality time with Allie and the children.

Philanthropy and community involvement

Cameron Heyward founded the Cameron Heyward Foundation, operating as The Heyward House, in 2014 to empower, enlighten, and engage youth in the Pittsburgh area through programs addressing literacy, mentorship, and brain cancer awareness, inspired by the death of his father from the disease in 2006. The foundation's initiatives include the Rufus and Judy Jordan Literacy Project, launched in 2020 and named after Heyward's grandparents, which installs Little Free Libraries stocked with books on , , financial literacy, and life skills in underserved communities to promote reading access. Another key program, Cam's Kindness Week, established in 2015, features annual events such as book readings at children's hospitals, shopping sprees for underprivileged kids, and donations to local nonprofits, fostering community uplift; in October 2025, it included a grand opening for Craig's Closet. In support of brain cancer awareness, the foundation partners with the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation on the Voices of Hope Scholarship, providing financial aid to students and families impacted by brain tumors to improve their quality of life. Heyward's philanthropic efforts through the foundation earned him the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, recognizing his community impact despite the organization's tax-exempt status being temporarily revoked by the IRS in 2022 for failure to file required forms, an issue resolved with reinstatement in November 2023. The foundation collaborates with the and local organizations like Urban Impact and The Caring Place, delivering programs that have supported thousands of through prevention, , and initiatives.

References

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