Steelers' Cameron Heyward Trying To Run Post 2023 Abductor Injury Was "Stupid"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the gold standard when it comes to an NFL franchise's history. A recent NFLPA poll might suggest that opinions are changing, but overall, the organization has six Super Bowl titles and countless numbers of stand-up players that will be enriched in the league's history. On the current roster, the player who embodies what it means to compete for the organization is none other than defensive lineman, Cameron Heyward. The 2023 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year is recognized as one of the best players both on and off the field.

The defender had a tough 2023 campaign on the field after undergoing surgery and missing several weeks. It was clear that, even when he returned, he wasn't his true self on the field. Recently, he joined former NFL players, and brothers, Kyle and Chris Long on the Green Light podcast to talk about a plethora of things. The lineman wasn't shy about discussing his injury.

Heyward said that it was not easy for him and insinuated that he never really was at 100% at any point. He's known for tracking down running backs and never giving up on a play, but he said that running was nearly impossible to a point because of his ailments.

"First of all, I'm just getting healthy. This past year was literally one of the worst years I've had just from a health standpoint. First, tearing my abductor and dealing with that, trying to come back. Trying to run was stupid as he**. I looked like an idiot when I was [trying to run]."

Heyward's age showed a little bit in 2023, but the hope is that it was more to due with an injury and not so much so that he is slowing down. He still can play at a high level, and the Steelers need him to in 2024 if the defense wants to have more success overall against the run.

He expanded on what the injury to his abductor affected during the season. It got to a point where he could feel himself tense up and eventually realized running was no longer in the cards.

"It would just get to a certain point, it would be like ah, I can't run anymore. Now, I'm just getting healthy," Heyward said.

It's nice to have a veteran leader like Heyward on the team, but he can't stay around forever. It will be crucial for Keeanu Benton to continue emerging as a future star, but Pittsburgh will need to address the position in more ways than one in the 2024 offseason. The draft class isn't as deep as one may like, but don't rule out Pittsburgh going after a big defensive lineman in the first few rounds.

The end of Heyward's career is nearing. No one is quite sure when it will be, but he is entering the final year of his contract with the team and it's unlikely he would ever want to play somewhere else. The soon-to-be 35-year old will have a big decision to make once the 2025 offseason rolls around. Regardless, he has had a Hall of Fame-eligible career.

Steelers Likely To Adjust Heyward's Contract In Near Future

Pittsburgh was never going to cut Heyward despite a large cap hit of $22.4 million in 2024. They are expected to add a year or two in order to spread out the money that he is owed. This will allow the franchise to lower the financial responsibility for 2024 and open up some more space in order to be a little more aggressive in free agency. The most important part of the offseason for Heyward is getting healthy and wreaking havoc on opposing offenses in what could be his final NFL season.

Did you notice Heyward having a hard time running in 2023? Let us know in the comments below!

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