PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He’s the only local athlete that devotes a week of his time every year to doing often multiple charity events a day. And that’s not where it stops for Cam Heyward. Thursday in Las Vegas, Heyward was honored for his off-field work winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year.
“I’m shocked,” Heyward said on NFL Network after receiving the award. “I want to say thank you to God. I wouldn’t be here today. Ever since I’ve been a Pittsburgh Steeler I’ve always thought God and my dad had a plan for me and I’m living it right now.”
The yearly honor ‘acknowledges NFL players who excel on the field and demonstrate a passion for creating a lasting positive impact beyond the game’.
He established The Heyward House in 2014 helping underprivileged kids and families through a variety of charitable programs. He also established Craig’s Closet providing free dress clothes to help young men with job or internship interviews or other events. He’s a member of the Steelers Social Justice Committee and formed the Cameron Heyward Foundation. Heyward also attends several other charity events organized by teammates, other athletes or community leaders.
“There is no act too small, no act too big I continue to keep doing the work,” Heyward said on NFL Network in Las Vegas. “This award is great and I appreciate it, but I understand I have more work to do. I have to represent this man (Walter Payton) every day going forward. I ask you guys, my brothers, keep doing the work. Keep being the positive role models you are. I know it’s not always pretty. I know a lot of people like to talk about the other stuff, but you guys are the change. You guys are making a difference.”
“We are so proud of Cam for not only earning this amazing achievement, but for all of the dedication and support he’s poured into the Pittsburgh community over his 13 years as a Steeler,” said Team President Art Rooney II in a statement released by the team. “We’ve considered him deserving of this honor for a long time, so to see him be recognized tonight is very special.”
Among this year’s nominees
• Baltimore Roquan Smith
• Cincinnati’s Ted Karras
• Cleveland’s Anthony Walker, Jr.
• Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes
• Giants and Penn Stater Saquon Barkley
Previous winners include Steelers Franco Harris, Joe Greene, Lynn Swann, Jerome Bettis along with Pitt’s Larry Fitzgerald and Dan Marino, Woodland Hills HS Jason Taylor and Pittsburghers Johnny Unitas and George Blanda (it was previously named the Gladiator Award).