Cam Heyward addresses his recent comments about leaving Steelers
Jan 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) leaves the field after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC Wild Card playoff football game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers star Cam Heyward caused quite a stir with his recent comments about potentially moving to a division rival. Heyward cleared the air with a social media post on Father’s Day.
On Thursday, Heyward spoke to reporters about his future amid an ongoing contract dispute with the Steelers. The 35-year-old defensive tackle openly talked about the possibility of closing out his career with the Cleveland Browns.
Heyward has family ties in Cleveland and played for Ohio State in college. However, several Steelers fans weren’t happy about the idea of Heyward playing elsewhere.
The Steelers team captain Cam Heyward is already looking forward to playing elsewhere next year.
Cam should no longer wear the C on his jersey.
— Matt (@Wuktang) June 15, 2024
I don’t know the context but if Cam Heyward is threatening to leave the Steelers and play for the Browns over money then I’m 100% disappointed in bro. Will look at him the same exact way I look at Le’Veon Bell.
— Big Papa Steelski (@cruzsteelski) June 15, 2024
@CamHeyward man talking about leaving is one thing but talking about going to a division rival, I know our opinions means absolutely nothing but that's low.. real low and a slap in the face.
— Hades (@SteelCity9039) June 15, 2024
Heyward clearly heard the chatter amongst fans. The 6-time Pro Bowler addressed the issue with a post on X.
“The goal is to be a Steeler for the rest of my career…… anyways on a more important front happy Father’s Day yall [sic],” wrote Heyward.
Heyward also backtracked on his comments about leaving for the Browns. Heyward replied to one fan with a meme implying that he didn’t really want to go to Cleveland.
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) June 16, 2024
Heyward’s comments about leaving could have simply been a leverage play amid his ongoing contract negotiations. Heyward, who is seeking an extension, is under contract for $22.4 million this season — the final year of the 4-year, $65.6 million deal he signed in 2020.
Heyward has so far played his entire 13-year career with the Steelers.