Steelers' Cam Heyward Sends Direct Message To Fan Base Over Connor Heyward

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a very eventful offseason. Cam Heyward has raised concerns throughout the entire fan base recently as the veteran's Week 1 status remains unknown. Heyward has continued to make headlines over recent weeks as the long-time Steeler is looking to renegotiate his two-year $29 million contract extension signed in 2024.

Heyward has remained as one of the best defensive tackles in all of football for a large portion of his career. The defensive line would take a huge blow if Heyward sits out Week 1 as the veteran has been a center piece on the Steelers' defense alongside TJ Watt for a number of years. Connor Heyward, Cam's brother, has been making headlines recently as well, with Cam sharing his frustration towards the fan base surrounding the respect (or lack thereof) given to his younger brother.

The veteran defensive lineman spoke about Connor's work ethic, while also highlighting what the tight end has done on special teams.

"I don't think he gets enough love for the dirty work he does," Heyward stated. "I know there's a lot made out about, 'He's my brother,' but the dude works his a** off at practice. He is a special teams energy bringer. Not many white shirts as we like to call them have 10+ tackles in a year, and we don't value that enough as a fan base."

Heyward then continued to talk about the respect that the fan base has given his younger brother, as the veteran claims that the fans need to do a better job at respecting Connor's game and minding their own business.

"As a fan base, I just ask that you respect the way that the kid works. Stop looking at him like my little brother, respect how he does it, and go about your business," Cam said.

Cam was elite in 2024. The All-Pro played a massive role on the Steelers' defense all season long and the loss of a player of his caliber could prove to quickly become a major problem. The veteran could still play Week 1 on the road against the New York Jets, but a final decision at this point remains unknown.

Connor is a tight end who will be joined by some serious competition in Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Connor will presumably be at the bottom of the depth chart to begin the season, but could quickly find himself with more playing time should an injury to a teammate arise. Both Smith and Freiermuth have been named as tight end ones (TE1) while Washington is expected to play behind the two starting options in certain packages.

Steelers' Connor Heyward Faces An Uphill Battle In 2025

Heyward may struggle to find playing time at tight end this season. The 26 year old is expected to open the year as the fourth tight end on the roster, but could still make a significant impact in other areas, like fullback and special teams. The former Michigan State star has played a key role on the Steelers' special teams unit throughout the past three seasons and may find himself with more of a primary role in 2025.

Steelers fans could view Cam's comments as upsetting. He has been in Pittsburgh for 14 seasons and has remained as a fan favorite throughout his entire career. Both Heyward brothers could make a serious impact in different ways this season as Week 1 is now just days away against the Jets.

Do you think Cam Heyward will play this Sunday against the New York Jets? Do his comments surrounding his younger brother concern you? Let us know in the comments down below!

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