PITTSBURGH — Connor Heyward walked in to his mom’s bedroom at their Atlanta home when her phone rang. He protected it from his big brother. Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward, and answered the call.
Cam was curious and stood next to him, trying to find out who was talking on the phone with his brother. He was a Michigan State student, running backwards. The television was nearby, and the Chicago BearsThey were making the sixth-round selection in the NFL draftCam believed that his brother might be heading to the Bears.
He attempted to interrupt by asking Connor who was talking on the phone.
“One second,” Connor stated as he walked off.
Cam’s phone rang, but Cam didn’t have the time to inquire further. Mike Tomlin was the one calling.
Cam said Saturday afternoon, “I’m like, ‘Oh snap, that fool just walked off, and he didn’t even tell me that it was the Pittsburgh Steelers.” “So, this has been quite priceless.
“My brother thought it would make a great joke to play a prank on me. You will still be hazing at times.”
Connor Heyward was selected in the sixth round by the Steelers with the No. The Steelers took the No. 208 overall pick and added Connor Heyward to their roster. Derek WattTerrell and Trey EdmundsCarlos and Khalil Davis.
“I believe that having your siblings around makes you play better,” Connor stated. “They can push your limits to the limit that your teammates can push, and when your brother is being tough on you, your teammates can look at it and say, “OK, that’s tough on him.”
There are currently seven sets with brothers in the NFL. Steelers boast the largest number of siblings with four pairs.
Mike Tomlin, Steelers coach, said that they value the intangible qualities. This explains the Steelers’ many siblings. “If you do business with one, it may give you an indication about how intangible the quality of the other. It is a constant struggle to measure what we can’t. That is likely what drives us towards the brother-game.
“The men that we do business are here for their merits and their abilities. Sometimes, they’re just brothers.”
Connor has had a big brother with the Steelers for over ten years, but Steelers coaches insist that he was able to earn his spot by his own merit. Connor, a 10 year old Cam’s junior was a standout Swiss knife at Michigan State. Connor caught 35 passes for 326 yards and scored two touchdowns in his senior season. He had 65 carries and 200 rushing yards the year before. Alfredo Roberts, position coach for Connor, stated that Connor is a 6-0, 229-pounds professional who will first be used to tighten the end position.
Roberts said that Connor was a lucky player to have the talent and bloodline he does. “It’s a huge accomplishment to be drafted into the NFL. It’s more than just bloodline, I believe. He’s being selected and valued because he is a good player.
However, being the younger brother to an established Steeler has its benefits. Connor, who has been in the locker area with Cam many times, has a good understanding of the organization.
Cam stated, “You think Kenny Pickett has been around our facility a LOT, Connor’s also been there, too.” “If Kenny is giving tours, Connor will be giving detours.
“I love to think that Connor has seen all of it. He’ll be a different person this time. It’s not easy to be a spectator. While you can see the big picture from a distance, you don’t really understand what it is. But, when you’re there, it becomes even more significant.
Connor was not born in Pittsburgh but he feels a strong connection to it. Cam was not only drafted by Steelers but his dad, Craig Heyward (the late Craig Ironhead), was a Pitt fullback before he was selected by the Steelers. New Orleans SaintsThe 1988 draft’s first round.
Despite their age differences, this will be the first time that the pair have ever played together on the same team. Cam will be there for Connor’s transition but there will still be lots of brotherly, spirited competition.
Cam said, “I was going be beating him up if it was on a other team.” “Now, I can beat him up in practice.”