The 2023 season was one filled with ups and downs for defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.
For the first time in a long time, his season was hampered by an injury, after suffering a groin injury against the San Francisco 49ers in the season opener that required surgery.
While his playing time was hampered by the injury, there was one thing that wasn't hampered.
His commitment to the Pittsburgh community.
He never let his injury stop him from giving back and is once again the Steelers nominee for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. The overall NFL winner of the award, which is presented by Nationwide, will be announced at the NFL Honors show on Thursday, Feb. 8, in Las Vegas during Super Bowl week. 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 passion for making a difference, his giving heart and his compassion that make him the ideal representative for the Steelers.
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 heart on his sleeve as he embarked on a journey of being a mentor to youth, a voice that can guide them and be an example that shines brightly for all who have the pleasure of being in his presence.
One of the main aspects for Heyward's giving back this year was a visit to The Caring Place as a part of Cam's Kindness Week, a week of giving back by Heyward to the Pittsburgh Community. The Caring Place offers programs to support children and families who are grieving after a devastating loss. And the statistics are sad, as one in 20 kids will have a parent die before they graduate from high school.
Heyward is one of those statistics, and that is why he wanted to share his story with the group. His father died when he was just 16-years old, the summer before his senior year of high school. Craig Heyward, who played at the University of Pittsburgh and in the NFL, had to give up football in 1999 because of a tumor that impacted his vision in the right eye. They thought that was the end of things, but it wasn't. He suffered a stroke, becoming paralyzed on the right side.
"He was working to walk for my senior night," Heyward shared with a group of kids and adults at The Caring Place. "Before that happened, the summer before my senior year, he ended up passing away while I was at a basketball camp. My mom had to be the one to tell me. I remember that day clearly, looking for my mom, not knowing what was happening. I could feel everybody was being very delicate with me. When I found my mom, she had to share that with me. I know that was hard for her to share. I understood the strength she showed. From that moment, I got to see the strength she showed after that."
Before the conversation with the kids finished, one young girl asked if he still gets sad about losing his dad, and how does he deal with it, obviously looking for advice to deal with grief of her own.
"I do still get sad. As much as I get sad, I am happy for the moments," said Heyward. "The more I share, I tell people how much I miss him, how much I would love doing certain things. There is not a moment I don't take to think about him and share his memory and what he would have done in those situations.
"When we lose someone we love, it doesn't mean we lose them and their memories. Those memories are special to me."
Take a look at Pittsburgh Steelers' DT Cameron Heyward giving back to the community
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Café Momentum during Cam's Kindness Week, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits UPMC Chilren's Hospital Pittsburgh during Cam's Kindness Week, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits Highmark Caring Place during Cam's Kindness Week, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (Brad Oskowski / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits the Westinghouse Football Team's practice during Cam's Kindness Week, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits the Westinghouse Football Team's practice during Cam's Kindness Week, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits the Westinghouse Football Team's practice during Cam's Kindness Week, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits the Westinghouse Football Team's practice during Cam's Kindness Week, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits the Westinghouse Football Team's practice during Cam's Kindness Week, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits the Westinghouse Football Team's practice during Cam's Kindness Week, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits the Westinghouse Football Team's practice during Cam's Kindness Week, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits the Westinghouse Football Team's practice during Cam's Kindness Week, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits the Westinghouse Football Team's practice during Cam's Kindness Week, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits the Westinghouse Football Team's practice during Cam's Kindness Week, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) visits the Westinghouse Football Team's practice during Cam's Kindness Week, Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Near the start of the season, Heyward won the Ambassador Daniel M. Rooney Champion of Mentoring award, presented by The Mentoring Partnership. The award is a culmination of what Heyward does on and off the field, a role model for so many kids in the Pittsburgh community.
"For me it's about trying to impact my community," said Heyward. "Giving young people a chance and connecting through this platform. I am lucky enough to play for an organization that allows you to do that.
"There are so many kids that are looking to just partner and people to connect with. We might not have the same backgrounds, but I want to be an advocate, I want to continue to give back. I want to make sure they understand there are opportunities to be had."
Heyward used Cam's Kindness Week to share that message of mentoring in the same way it came to him, by learning without the kids even realizing they were learning.
One step along the way doing that was at Café Momentum Pittsburgh, a place he has gravitated toward. Heyward understands the importance of believing in today's youth. He knows they often need a second chance. He believes that with the right leadership, kids who went down the wrong path can be steered into the right direction.
He met with the interns to talk about breaking the cycle of incarceration and violence they have been affected by, and then helped prepare a meal that he enjoyed with them.
"Things are tough, but it's good to find a smart outlet, cooking food for the community," said Heyward. "It's a great path to get these kids on. And it's really starting to grow all over the United States. It's a great idea and I'm excited to be a part of it.
"You have to listen to their stories. They need people who care, people who are willing to listen."
His kindness week also had him embark on other activities, including the opening of another Craig's Closet, this one at Brashear High School.
Heyward launched Craig's Closet in 2018 to honor his father, who played football at the University of Pittsburgh, and when he arrived as a freshman running back, had only one suit, something he was grateful to at least have coming from a single-parent home with six siblings.
With so many young men in Pittsburgh facing the same challenge of not having a suit that they could wear to a job interview, internship, events and more, Heyward came up with a plan. Craig's Closet provides free dress clothes to help young men as they move forward in life.
"With me and my brothers, we always try to honor our dad and we know we've all been given blessings beyond," said Heyward. "It's up to us to honor that legacy and expand on that legacy, because through that we can only be better men.
"We've had a chance to give back to some high schools and we're just growing, providing suits for young men, things like ties, shoes. I love hearing the stories of how they feel empowered behind it. When they feel they look good, they feel good about themselves, and that makes them want to play good, or go out and seize the world.
"It feels like you're providing tools for their toolbox and it's allowing them to succeed at a high level."
Heyward has had multiple opportunities to see the impact Craig's Closet has had, including through his yearly Suiting Up for Success Soiree. The event celebrates male high school seniors who show leadership, sportsmanship, hard work, and good character despite their challenges. Each teen receives a custom suit and new shoes and share a formal dinner with Heyward that includes motivational speakers.
"We get to see them in their suits, and you get to see the smile on their face," said Heyward. "They have the feeling of being prepared and going forward in life, whether it's a college interview, job interviews, the prom, anything like that.
"We're hearing their stories. And then we're bringing entrepreneurs from all over Pittsburgh who tell their stories. These are the fields our kids want to get involved with. We're killing two birds with one stone. We're providing the suit for the job interview and then you're meeting someone that almost started the job interview. When you do that, it's not just blowing smoke. We're really trying to attack it and tell you, hey, now you got this, and we see you're a sharp dresser. Let's see what you can do with that sharp dress."
To learn more about Heyward's nomination for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, click here.
