Earlier this week, Steelers great Jerome Bettis surprised Pittsburgh’s current player in a morning meeting. He was there to present Cam Heyward with a trophy that recognized the veteran defensive lineman as the Steelers’ nominee for the Walter Payton.
“It's a great honor,” said Heyward Thursday morning. “I don't take it lightly. There's responsibility to community and I know they recognize 31 other guys who are all capable of winning it.”
It’s the fifth time that Heyward has been the team’s nominee for the award, which acknowledges the player who stands out most for their community service and charitable initiatives.
“To be among those guys is something special,” Heyward said. “And then, among the winners, guys like (Andrew) Whitworth, J.J. Watt, Russell Wilson, Calais Campbell, guys who have carried the torch for the league.. and I’m proud to be among them just as a nomination.”
Ravens Week
Heyward and the Steelers are getting ready to face Baltimore Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.
For the 5-7 Steelers, the game is likely a must-win. Pittsburgh can afford one more loss and still have a shot at the postseason, but a loss to the Ravens — who will likely be without quarterback Lamar Jackson — could be crippling.
“When you play Baltimore, there's usually something at stake,” Heyward said. “Both teams are vying for playoffs and it's a gritty game that usually comes down to one score.”
That said, so many of the characters that turned Steelers-Ravens into one of the NFL’s marquee rivalries are now gone. But Heyward feels like there is a still a ‘big game’ feel this week.
“Mike (Tomlin) is relaying the message, it's not an easy match up,” Heyward said. “They have good guys over there that have done it for a long time and are successful. Justin Tucker as a kicker, Calais Campbell, Lamar Jackson, they’ve got some real good players over there and you have to make sure that not only you match energy, but this rivalry is about who's going to be more physical.”
That said, without Jackson, the challenge loses some of its luster. This will be the 11th time that the Steelers have faced the Ravens since Baltimore drafted Lamar Jackson, who has only started three of the previous matchups.
As he deals with a knee injury, backup Tyler Huntley is in line to start. But Heyward knows that, even with a dip in quarterback play, Baltimore will not get away from doing what they do.
“I think it's very similar,” he said. “Not taking anything away from Lamar. Lamar's electric. I don't think there's another player like Lamar, but they like to keep their offense consistent, and they’ve still got a really good receiver in Mark Andrews, who's also tight end.
“So I don't think a lot is going to change, but we have to make sure we follow our keys.”
The game gives the Steelers a chance to finally secure a win again over a top-tier team. After upsetting Cincinnati in the opener, the Steelers have won four games against teams with a combined record of 19-31-1.
They’ve been manhandled by some of the league’s best teams, like Buffalo and Philadelphia. Pittsburgh scored only ten points in a loss to Miami and allowed 37 in the rematch with the Bengals.
The lack of high caliber wins, however, is something Heyward feels the Steelers can still accomplish.
“I’ll always give us a shot,” he said. “I like to think we're progressing the right way.”
Pickens talk much ado about nothing
During Sunday’s game in Atlanta, Heyward was caught by CBS cameras talking with Steelers wide receive George Pickens, who was visibly frustrated due to a lack of targets in the passing game.
Heyward was asked by 93.7 The Fan about the conversation.