Steelers' Connor Heyward Explained Why He Was So Frustrated Before Practice: "At Some Point, It Has To Stop"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had many of their recent roster decisions questioned lately. They had a massive overhaul in 2025, which included moves like trading away a vocal leader in Minkah Fitzpatrick and signing Aaron Rodgers after a season full of drama and underachieving in New York. On top of that, there were some surprise players cut to keep other shockers on the team, like Beanie Bishop Jr. being released. There were plenty of little tidbits that certain fans were not happy about, and some flew under the radar. 

One of those concerns was fourth-string tight end / special teams ace Connor Heyward sticking on the 53-man roster. He certainly heard the noise, and he explained his thoughts about the whole situation to Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"I just know what it takes to hold a job like this for four years. The initial cut doesn’t mean anything, but it means something, and I know what type of player I am," Heyward explained. "Obviously, there’s always room for improvement, but they’re not putting in the work I’m putting in — in the offseason, in-season, early mornings, late nights. We all put a lot into this. At some point, it has to stop."

Heyward was a sixth-round pick in 2022, and it was a move that many fans criticized then and still do now. They believe that he was only drafted because his brother, Cameron Heyward, who is still in Pittsburgh and producing well. The Steelers have been known to value family ties, so the theory is that he would have never been considered as a quality prospect if it wasn't for his last name. 

In fact, Connor Heyward took to X to vent those frustrations out at a particular fan, although they were deleted shortly after. Private messages with that fan were also posted to show how upset he was at him, and those also got deleted. 

That was likely part of, if not all of what Connor Heyward was incensed about. As Batko mentioned, Heyward had to be calmed down in the locker room, as the comments made on X started getting under his skin, and the comment made by that one particular fan finally likely broke him. He wants to be seen as a hard worker that earned everything he got, as opposed to nepotism -- that he would be nothing if it weren't for the successes of his older brother. 

Steelers Truly Value Heyward A Lot

While Heyward is only seen as the fourth-string tight end and the starting fullback on the depth chart, he is routinely praised for his abilities as a special teamer. Pittsburgh has been known to block punts left and right, and the fourth-year utility man has been a big part of that, whether he's opening holes for someone to block, or he's the one putting pressure on the punter himself.

While the Steelers do value family, they strongly value special teams even more. Pittsburgh has a lot of aces in that phase of the game, and they make an effort to keep as many on the team as possible. They also love their splash plays, and since Heyward has done a lot in that regard with helping to block punts, he is one of the last special teamers they want to cut ties with.

Heyward's rookie contract expires after 2025. While they do value special teams, they usually will not re-sign their aces unless they fill a need at depth on offense or defense. There is no certainty that he will be re-signed or not, but if he can thrive in a tight end-heavy offense like Pittsburgh's while continuing to be a menace on special teams, the front office will at least have to strongly consider keeping him.

What do you think about Heyward's frustrations, as well as how the Steelers value him? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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