Steelers’ Cam Heyward on New Contract: Chance to Wear 1 Helmet ‘All I Could Ask For’

Jack MurraySeptember 4, 2024

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Cameron Heyward is excited to potentially be a Pittsburgh Steeler for life.

The six-time Pro Bowler signed a three-year, $45 million deal to remain with the franchise that drafted him in 2011. The 35-year-old reflected on his tenure with the franchise and is taking pride in being a “one-helmet guy.”

“That’s all I could ask for, the chance to be a one-helmet guy,” Heyward said, per Teresa Varley of Steelers.com. “I got to play like it, but that’s the way I’ve always viewed it. When I first got here, getting drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, I couldn’t think about playing for another team. That’s always been a goal of mine. When I told my mom in the car when I was on my way down here to sign, she was talking about how rare it is. You know, I think it’s me and Cam Jordan left that are able to say that. It’s really special to try to live that legacy in one place.”

Heyward has played in 194 games for Pittsburgh, starting 159 of them. He has recorded 404 solo tackles, 80.5 sacks and forced eight fumbles as a destructive force on the Steelers defensive line.

He was entering the final year of his deal and could have hit unrestricted free agency following the 2024 season. Now, he is signed through the 2026 season.

That means he will be entering his age-38 season when his contract expires and realistically will be preparing for his post-playing career. While he could keep going, he knows he has at least three more chances to bring a Lombardi Trophy to Pittsburgh.