This year, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers finally took home the Walter Payton Man of the Year trophy after six nominations. He has been a finalist for three years running.
Heyward tweeted the following, stating that the prize was the greatest honour of his life. At the NFL Honours, Heyward received the honour; an official presentation took place at the Super Bowl.
Heyward does a tremendous number of good works through The Heyward House, his organization. Here is a great description of what they do from their official site:
When Cam takes off his uniform, his passion for the game doesn’t end. Actually, it’s the other way around; Cameron brings his enthusiasm for life to the field.
Whether it’s spending time with kids who have life-threatening illnesses, taking them shopping for winter clothing, or sending birthday cards and gifts to kids who don’t often get to celebrate, Cam’s true passion is children. He is aware that every child needs at least one person who will always have their back and be their cheerleader.
“Joe from Vegas,” who wanted to know how Cam Heyward felt about becoming the fourth Pittsburgh Steelers player to ever receive the award, opened the joyous press conference following his announcement as the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year.
It’s astounding. Heyward, a veteran captain of the Steelers, remarked, “You look at guys like Joe Greene, Lynn Swan, Jerome Bettis, and Franco – I am just so honoured to be among that group.” “Those guys did so much for the community and upheld the standard that I almost don’t feel worthy of it.” It’s simply incredible to be involved in it.
Heyward feels the weight of history on him as he joins this elite club of Walter Payton Men of the Year from Pittsburgh and doesn’t take it lightly. He feels Greene is an aspirational figure in the franchises’ history and wants to live up to Greene’s legacy for as long as he wears black and gold.
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