It was five years coming, but the media finally got it right when they voted Cam Heyward the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year.
This was Heyward’s sixth time being nominated to represent the Pittsburgh Steelers in his 13-year career. The award, considered the league’s highest honor, recognizes a player’s off-the-field community service.
And Heyward’s service to the Pittsburgh community is vast. His efforts are primarily inspired by his father, former NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward. Cam was just 16 when his father died of brain cancer at age 39.
Perhaps the most significant endeavor is Heyward’s foundation, The Heyward House, which was launched in 2015. Its causes include combatting childhood hunger, fighting cancer, aiding childhood literacy and supporting students and teachers.
“Ever since I’ve been a Pittsburgh Steeler, I’ve always thought god and my dad had a plan for me, and I’m living it right now,” Heyward said during his acceptance speech on Thursday night. “I want to say thank you to the Pittsburgh Steelers for giving me this opportunity.”
“When I talk about my dad, he wore No. 34, and he’s been with me the entire time, he’s been with me every step of the way,” he said. “But I know there was another 34 that was helping me, this man Walter Payton. He’s done so much on and off the field, and he’s changed so many lives, that now I have the opportunity to be part of such a great fraternity in the Walter Payton finalists and winners.
“I know I can carry this on and take the rock. I can’t run as fast as Walter, and I won’t try, but I’ll make sure I do my part. I want to give a big shout out to every nominee, every winner here today. There’s no act too small, there’s no act too big, we are all trying to make a difference in so many people’s lives.”
Heyward knows his work doesn’t end with the honor he’s received.
“I continue to keep doing the work, as I will. This award is great, and I appreciate it, but I understand I’ve got more work to do. I’ve got to make sure I represent this man every day going forward. And so I ask you guys, my brothers, keep doing the work, keep being the positive role models you are. I know it’s not always pretty, I know a lot of people like to talk about the other stuff, but you guys are the change, you guys are making a difference, and I’m just thankful for that.”
Each of the 32 nominees was awarded a $40,000 donation for the charity of their choice, but for his abundant efforts and earning the title NFL Man of the Year, Heyward will receive a $250,000 donation in his name.
Heyward is the fifth Steeler to have been voted NFL Man of the Year, joining Franco Harris (1976), Joe Greene (1979), Lynn Swann (1981) and Jerome Bettis (2002) — each with a bust in the Hall of Fame.
Perhaps that’s Heyward’s next step.
An inspiration to so many.
For his impact off the field, @CamHeyward is your 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year!
📝: https://t.co/Q6NRfhjdqA | @Nationwide pic.twitter.com/yYMsXqFRKb
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 9, 2024
