Steelers Throwback Thursdays: Cameron Heyward drafted in first-round of 2011 NFL Draft
Before the NFL officially gears up for the 2022-23 season, Steel City Underground will be taking fans back in time to feature events, special moments, and historical times in the world of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Steelers Nation. Join us as we revisit these moments in our “Throwback Thursdays”.
This week, with the NFL Draft nearly upon us, we looked back at some of the best signings the Pittsburgh Steelers have made of selections they made during the 2011 NFL Draft. First-round selection Cameron Heyward stands out as a historical moment in Steelers history. The former Ohio State Buckeye went from first-team All-Big Ten performer to a true Pittsburgh leader on defense.
As Heyward went through the pre-draft process, no one could stop talking about how he’d followed in his father, Craig Heyward‘s footsteps. “I don’t want to live in his shadow,” Heyward said before the draft. “I think we were both guys who loved to pound… We have that toughness, where we always want to use our head.”
Scouts got to see Heyward’s versatile play at defensive line in 45 career starts, logging 157 career tackles (34 for a loss) and 14.5 sacks. His junior season was arguably his best, but Heyward stayed at Ohio State to compete for a national championship.
“If guys are expecting a lot out of me, so be it, because I’m a guy that’s going to produce and give it all I got.” – Cam Heyward (2011 NFL Scouting Combine)
A late injury prevented him from working out at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2011, but it didn’t change the Steelers’ minds about potentially drafting him.
“The thing that stood out about the meeting with the Steelers, it wasn’t about football. It was getting a chance to sit down and talk to me, about my family, my rich tradition with the City of Pittsburgh… with the Steelers I felt at home.” – Heyward
Heyward did work out on the Buckeyes’ Pro Day but didn’t really know what team might call him at home since he’d opted not to go to New York on draft day. “I never really thought the Pittsburgh Steelers (were) where I was going to end up. It worked out perfectly.”
Heyward called getting drafted by the Steelers a “dream that never stops,” when speaking with Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. “It was a reward for working hard in college.”
Since being drafted in the first round by the Steelers, Heyward has become a vocal leader and veteran who had one of his best seasons in 2021. In 166 games, Heyward has recorded 478 tackles (278 solo), 68 sacks, 42 pass defenses, two interceptions, and seven forced fumbles.
There’s no doubt that Heyward is in the top 10 of Steelers draft selections since 2000. His influence on and off the field has been highly regarded and felt by the organization, teammates, and fans alike.
