Steelers' Cam Heyward Opens Up About Brutal Injury In 2023 Season Opener Vs His Healthy 2024 Debut In Atlanta

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, Cameron Heyward was able to wrap up his contract extension with the team just before the season began. Now in his 14th season in the league, all in black and gold, the 35-year-old has said he is thrilled to be a "one helmet player." Heyward was born in Pittsburgh, the son of NFL fullback Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, and considers the Steel City home in every way. 

His major injury during the 2023 season likely stalled his contract negotiations with the Steelers. Most defensive linemen don't last as long as Heyward has and at such a high level. He wasn't showing his age in the game against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), for the first week of the season, he was the second highest-graded interior defensive lineman, with an 89.4 grade, second on the team overall to T.J. Watt. 

On Heyward's podcast, Not Just Football With Cam Heyward, his co-host Hayden Walsh asked him how it felt going on to the field game one this season versus how it felt during game one of last season. 

"I remember last year thinking, you know, I don't know how it's going to be because I was still dealing with it," recalled Heyward. "You know, I was hobbling going into that game. This is probably the last time I have to talk about it, but I dove trying to sack the quarterback, and as soon as I dove, everything tore in my groin. It was hard just getting up from that moment. But it felt good to be out there, felt pretty close to 100%. There were no limitations. I was able to do what I wanted and felt free enough to play."

Heyward previously reported that he tore his pectineus muscle, which is in the groin, very early in training camp last season. He rested and thought he would be fine despite not being 100%. But as he recounted, when he dove for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, he felt his adductor muscle tear. He ultimately had surgery to repair the muscle and did not return to play until midway through the season. 

After the 2023 season ended with a disappointing Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills, Heyward had additional surgeries, including a scoping of his knee and an abdominal repair. He said that the overcompensation for the groin caused him to detach an abdominal muscle from the pelvic bone. 

Those issues make understanding the Steelers' predicament regarding extending Heyward easy. Despite the narrative from some that Heyward is some "injury-riddled old man," the reality is that he hadn't previously missed a game since 2016. Now that he feels nearly 100% healthy, Heyward is ready to show the franchise and the fans that he really is holding back Father Time. 

Steelers' Cameron Heyward Hoping To Tick Off Another Box

The Steelers and Heyward will face the Denver Broncos in the Mile High City for their Week 2 matchup. Heyward said that despite all the predictions that the Steelers have a good shot at winning this game, he is not underestimating how challenging it can be to play the Broncos, especially not in Denver. 

Heyward said he has never won a game in Denver and hopes to cross that off his list. After all, since he was drafted in 2011, the Steelers have only traveled to Denver to play twice, losing both times. They have played the Broncos five times since 2012, winning the three in the Steel City. 

How do you feel about Heyward's contract and the way he played Week 1? Click to comment below. 

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