PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Cam Heyward said he thought it was important for him to come back and be the best leader and player he can. The Steelers captain participated in his first OTA practice of the season on Tuesday discussing what he wants in a new contract and the level he believes he can still play.
Heyward said he was upset about the reports that he hasn't talked to the team. He said he's had numerous conversations with teammates, coaches and front office about numerous things. He was annoyed that anyone would think he doesn't care about them and he never wants that questioned.
He's not sure if he will do a 'hold-in' as we saw from TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick where he shows up to training camp, but doesn't do team drills until a contract is done. He said they've had talks with the Steelers about a contract, but laughed in saying nothing will be done by tomorrow.
Top 5 player
There is no doubt in what Heyward believes he brings to the team, especially now he says he's fully go after groin surgeries. He's not buying into players that are 35-years-old not having the ability to impact games.
"I'm not looking to be like anyone else," Heyward said to reporters. "My game is different from everybody else in this league. I feel like I can play the run and the pass, and that's where I'm different."
"There's not a lot of history, but I'm here to make history. I'm here to win another Super Bowl here and have a great season."
He said his game is built on power and he's had conversations with Mike Tomlin on how power lifters are still at their prime in their forties. Heyward equates himself to that.
So, what does he want?
"I'm looking to be here," Heyward said. "The value is what we decide, but I think for me I want to be valued at my position. I understand I came off a rough season, but I don't think it's a step down from where I can play.
I think when I'm at the top of my game, I'm still a top five player at my position.
I play the run and the pass and I bring leadership and there is not anything I discount."
Heyward said it was great to be around with the team on Tuesday at the South Side facility. He has been doing drills with former Steelers and last year Lions defensive lineman Tyson Alualu. The Ohio State All-American is glad to have other people involved so his turn isn't always next when going through drills.
The Steelers defensive captain has seen enough during his 13 years in the league that he knows there is a financial side to the NFL.
"You always have to treat it like a business because one day it's going to end, that's with any job," Heyward said. "I still have love for this game and I still work my tail off and I still put everything into it, that's not going to change."
Heyward said he's trying to stay even keeled during his whole process.
"All I know is I want to be here, but we will see what happens," Heyward said. "If it's my last year here, I've had a great career here. I look forward to playing next year."
There have been no conversations, again, about what he will do in training camp, but he will be here for mini-camp and Wednesday for OTAs. He has a conflict with the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award event on Thursday.
"There was a conversation between me, (GM) Omar (Khan) and Mike T (Tomlin) and there are certain guys that are 'one-helmet guys'," Heyward said. "I want to be one of those one-helmet guys."
But adds that doesn't mean he won't play for another team.
