Cameron Heyward

Cameron Heyward's Biography

American professional football player Cameron Phillip Heyward, born on May 6th, 1989, was forged in a football dynasty. The son of former NFL player Craig Heyward and the older brother to Connor Heyward, also an NFL player, Heyward had the foundation for a football future.

Heyward attended Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia where he demonstrated his prowess on the gridiron as part of the Peachtree Ridge Lions high school football team. His powerhouse performance in the 2006 season saw him named the Georgia Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year. He recorded over 100 tackles and 16 sacks as a senior, positioning him as the seventh-best football player in Georgia. His achievements reached national acclaim when Scout.com ranked him as the 13th best defensive tackle in the country.

Off the field, Heyward proved he was more than an athlete. His commitment to his studies earned him merit as a scholar-athlete, culminating in a 3.2 GPA at Peachtree Ridge High School.

Upon graduating, Heyard joined the Ohio State Buckeyes. As a true freshman, he received honors as a freshman All-American, registering 30 tackles, two sacks, and 9 tackles for loss. Heyward’s defensive contributions enabled the Buckeyes to compete in the BCS National Championships.

Continuing his spectacular football journey, Heyard displayed excellence in his sophomore and junior years. His commendable performance, which included 36 tackles and three sacks, led the Buckeyes to compete in the Rose Bowl. Despite opportunities to enter the NFL draft after his junior season, Heyward chose to return for his senior year.

In his final year, he tallied 48 tackles and 3.5 sacks, along with scoring a touchdown on a career-high 80-yard interception return. His role was instrumental in leading the Buckeyes to compete at the Allstate 2011 Sugar Bowl, which they won.

Post-college, Heyward was projected as a first-round pick at the NFL draft, despite coming off elbow surgery. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 31st overall pick in the 2011 draft, coming as the seventh defensive end in his class. In July 2011, the Steelers offered Heyward a four-year contract worth $6.70 million, complemented by a signing bonus of $3.37 million.

Heyward’s NFL journey was challenging as he began competing with veterans for a starting defensive end position. Despite starting as a backup, his consistent performance, characterized by his first career sack in October 2011, enabled him to secure his spot.

In the subsequent years, Heyward continued improving, displaying commendable on-field performances, and marking significant career achievements. Some of his contributions in the NFL included making 11 combined tackles, a sack, and blocking a field goal in his rookie season.

In 2014, the Pittsburgh Steelers exercised a fifth-year option on Heyward, further solidifying his input to the team. In the following year, Heyward played a crucial role in helping the Steelers clinch the AFC North title with an 11-5 record.

Recognizing Heyward’s contributions, the Steelers signed him to a six-year, $59.25 million extension in 2015, highlighting his importance to the team. Through the subsequent seasons, Heyward has continued to perform at his peak, ensuring the Steelers consistently clinch playoff berths and first-round byes. His 2017 season saw him setting a career-high of 12 sacks in a season and receiving a Pro Football Focus grade of 88.9, ranking among the top ten interior defensive linemen.

Recently, he recorded significant achievements, including 1.5 sacks against the Atlanta Falcons and two sacks against the Carolina Panthers. Heyward finished his season with 51 tackles, eight sacks, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His consistent performance has earned him accolades from peers, securing a spot on the NFL Top 100 Players in recent years.

Cameron Heyward stands as a testament of hard work, dedication, and the ability to remain consistent in performance over long periods. Despite the rough and tumble of the NFL, his career remains an impressive and inspiring journey for football enthusiasts. Heyward’s continued contribution to the Pittsburgh Steelers over the years has played a pivotal role in turning the team into formidable contenders in the AFC North. His career is a testament to the grit, determination, and raw talent that make a player truly remarkable.