WATCH: Steelers star Cameron Heyward watches brother Connor at NFL combine
Pittsburgh Steelers star Cameron Heyward has solidified himself as a staple on a defense that played a major role in keeping his squad in a position to sneak into the playoffs last season, but on Thursday he wasn’t focused on his career at all.
In a league where turnover is commonplace and careers come and go in a flash, the former Ohio State star has pulled off the rare feat of staying with the same organization for his entire NFL career so far since he was drafted by Pittsburgh in 2011.
And now, the longtime NFL veteran is watching his younger brother, Michigan State tight end Connor Heyward begin his quest to follow in his older brother’s footsteps as he competes at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.
On Thursday, NFL media captured the Pittsburgh Steelers star watching his younger brother — at the same high-pressure event he experienced more than a decade ago — in real time.
These are the moments that make sports so incredible.
Pittsburgh Steelers star on attending younger brother’s NFL combine
Former Michigan State tight end Connor Heyward has an important guest with him at the NFL Scouting Combine this weekend. His brother, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward, is in attendance — and he spoke with NFL Network about the experience..
“I’m excited to be here,” Cam Heyward told Stacey Dales. “Seeing my little brother, it’s special. Seeing this side of the coin is pretty cool. It’s very different.”
Connor isn’t listed in any first-round mock drafts, but will try to improve his stock at the combine. Cam had some thoughts about what kind of NFL player he’d be and made a sales pitch for why Connor would be good in the league. After all, he hauled in 35 catches for 326 yards and two touchdowns to help Michigan State to a 7-2 Big Ten record and a Peach Bowl appearance vs. Pitt in 2021.
The Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end may play on the other side of the ball, but he voiced why Connor has the tools to compete for a chance in the NFL.
“His versatility,” Cam said about his brother. “He’s played tight end, fullback, running back. He even did punt return and kick return. So he’s a jack of all trades and I know he just wants to be a good football player. He’s excited.”
When Thursday’s results came in and Connor clocked a 4.7 40-yard dash — Cam provided a glimpse into the mind of athletes that strive for greatness, noting his younger brother won’t be pleased with the result but it will serve as motivation.
“No, but I like it that way,” Cam said. “For me? I would’ve been like, ‘Yeah, I need a 4.2.’ But that’s unattainable. But I know he’s going to be hard on himself.”
It’s impossible to predict if the younger Heyward brother will hear his name called when the NFL Draft rolls around and of course his older brother would love to see him in a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey. Either way, the longtime NFL veteran has seen it all and believes Connor will get a shot.
“Wherever he goes, I know he’s going to be very excited.”