PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – No player currently in the Steelers locker room has more time with Ben Roethlisberger than Cam Heyward. For the last seven of those 11 years, both were captains. Heyward's memories go back even further.
"I remember when I used to watch Ben," Heyward said Friday. "I remember that Super Bowl game playing Arizona. He's made some moments. I've been appreciative just to be his teammate, just want to send him off with everything I can."
Heyward referring to Roethlisberger saying all signs point to Monday Night hosting Cleveland being his last regular season game at Heinz Field. Although Heyward said he hopes they can 'make this tour last longer'.
The 32-year-old starting flashing back to a few of his more vivid memories
· The fake spike against Dallas (though bemoaning not finishing the game on defense)
· Christmas Day throw to Antonio Brown against Baltimore
· Throw to Santonio Holmes in the Super Bowl (noting Ben had to overcome a penalty in that drive as well)
· Going 15-1 as a starter his rookie season
He said what made Roethlisberger special is that it didn't matter what he had around him, Ben always found a way to make it work.
"I thought I was one of the luckier ones, not many guys can say they've played with a Hall of Fame quarterback," Heyward said. "Just the moments we've had, the plays he's made, the leadership he's shown, the growth he's had in his career. I'm appreciative of it. Ben has always been a fighter, always given us a chance."
"He's battled a lot and been rewarded with two Super Bowls. We've needed every bit of Ben Roethlisberger in every game he's played. You can't just replicate that."
"I know the fans are going to give him the loudest applause (Monday night) and rightfully so. This guy deserves a lot. We have to make sure we hold up our end of the deal."
Sorry, Panthers
His father a legend at Pitt, Heyward admitted to rooting for Michigan State in the Peach Bowl on Thursday night. His brother, Connor, is a senior tight end with the Spartans catching a touchdown, going up high in the end zone to pull it down.
"I knew it," Heyward said of his ability to make that catch. "I'm just glad he showed it. I don't know how much they are going to like me over there (motioning to the adjoining Pitt facility) anymore."
"It was a heck of a game. I was very excited. What a great way to cap off his college career. We will see what happens after that."
Heyward was watching while getting treatment last night. While getting more treatment this morning, he admitted to trash talking the trainers-most of them went to Pitt.
"Pitt had a heck of a year," Heyward said. "Hopefully they don't think less of me. I've always been a big Pitt fan, but I had to go with my brother this game."
