Steelers' Cameron Heyward Got Permission From Teammates To Get Payback On Offensive Line His Rookie Year

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their hard-nosed attitude toward football. This makes them stand out in a league where rules regarding physicality are changing to prevent injury and ensure player safety. While they don't break the rules, the Steelers seem to step right up to the line, running one of the most physical training camps in the NFL. 

Players who were with other teams and are new to Pittsburgh often admit they were initially surprised by how physical camp is in Latrobe. The Steelers run drills like backs on backers to build in competition and prepare the players for the matchups in the regular season. However, teams are comprised of the best of the best. These are the most elite football players in the world, and they are all already very competitive. 

The drills they do against each other heighten that competitive edge, and at times, it spills over into real life. That's precisely what happened in 2011 when defensive tackle Cameron Heyward was a rookie. Heyward recently had two former teammates, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel, join him on his podcast, Not Just Football. 

"I remember my rookie year, I was getting jumped by the o-linemen," recalled Heyward. "At first, I didn't know what I was doing. I was like, am I supposed to fight? Am I not supposed to fight? Then Mitch [John Mitchell] and Casey [Hampton] came up and was like, 'Better defend yourself.' Then I got in a fight, then all of a sudden you see Hamp' come out of nowhere and say, 'We ain't doing this no more.' Then everybody else came out, you supported me."

This drew a laugh from Keisel, who said that Heyward was so big and goofy his first season that they called him a "giant toddler." Keisel said that Heyward was so excited to be in Pittsburgh that he was happy, beating his chest with pride. 

But Heyward was right. He was getting beat up by the offensive line every single day. Keisel said the thing about being a rookie is that it is all new and comes at you quickly. You have to be able to keep up. Part of what happens at camp is that you get tested by your teammates. They want to see how far they can push you. 

"The linemen at the end of the play push him in the back or something like that, give him a little shove, and they'll do it until you actually stand up for yourself," said Keisel. "They'll do it until the end. Hamp’ told him, 'Buddy, you better not be letting people shove you,' and I told him, and Mitch told him. I'm not kidding you. From that day forward to the end of training camp, Cam fought every day. Finally, I got to be like, 'Can you stop fighting?' We know you're going to fight, just quit, don't get into it with everybody, you're going to break your hand. And then he did end up breaking his wrist."

Hampton told his teammates that the offensive linemen were always like that. They always want to pick a fight with the defense, which continues until you show them who the boss is. 

That was why Hampton and the remaining defensive line jumped to Heyward's aid that day. They wanted Heyward to learn to stand up for himself but always wanted to show they were part of something bigger.

Steelers' Cameron Heyward Due Contract Extension

While General Manager Omar Khan made some exciting moves this offseason, he declined to extend Heyward's contract. The 35-year-old is entering the final year of his contract and hopes to be extended to stay in Pittsburgh for another year or two. 

However, Heyward suffered a brutal injury in 2023 that required surgical repair, and it seems as if the team has decided to assess him during the season before making an offer. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic is one of several media members who have suggested the Steelers sign him before the season starts to a small deal. DeFabo pointed out that Heyward works harder than nearly anyone else. He said even with his injury last season, he was putting up solid numbers.

What do you think about the physicality of the Steelers training camp? Do you have an issue with the fighting? Click to comment below. 

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