Pivot Podcast

Cam Heyward Pittsburgh Steelers Captain, NFL All Pro, future of the Steelers, questions at Quarterback, bond with Mike Tomlin, chasing a Super Bowl, locker room, Family, Battling Depression and legacy

Mar 21, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Cam Heyward, an All-Pro defensive tackle and captain of the Pittsburgh Steelers, shares his journey through personal loss and battling depression after the passing of his father, NFL star Craig Heyward. He discusses the bond he has with his younger brother, Connor, as they navigate life as teammates. Cam reflects on his relationship with Coach Mike Tomlin, the team’s evolving dynamics, and his relentless pursuit of a Super Bowl. His insights into leadership, teamwork, and legacy make for an inspiring and heartfelt discussion.

48:07

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Episode guests

Cam Heyward

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Quick takeaways

Cam Heyward emphasizes the importance of family legacy in shaping his identity as an athlete, driving him to honor his father's memory.

The podcast highlights the critical role of mentorship and teamwork in achieving success, as Cam stresses that true greatness is measured by collective team accomplishments.

Deep dives

The Role of Legacy in Football

The conversation highlights the significance of legacy within the sport, particularly through the lens of family relationships among players. Cam Hayward reflects on growing up in a football family, emphasizing how the expectations tied to his father's legacy motivated him and his siblings to carve out their own paths. A deep acknowledgment of their dad's influence and sacrifices opens up discussions about their shared identity as athletes and the pressures they faced, transforming their familial relationships into a supportive bond. This unique experience of re-learning family dynamics as teammates has shaped their understanding of legacy in football, pushing them to uphold and enhance their father's memory through their performances.

Intro

2min

Brothers in Sport: Legacy and Growth

19min

Evolving Leadership and Team Dynamics

2min

Navigating Leadership and Personal Challenges in Football

5min

Navigating Loss and Finding Strength in Adversity

5min

Legacy and Teamwork: A Journey of Self-Discovery

15min

“The individual stuff is great, but you truly measure greatness by what your team does.” Cam Heyward Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro

Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with the heartbeat of the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL Pro Bowler and All-Pro defensive tackle, Cam Heyward who joins the guys to talk about his football legacy, personal struggles, roster changes, quarterback questions and his relentless pursuit of a Super Bowl championship.

Being drafted in the first round by Pittsburgh in 2011 wasn't just about Cam playing for one of the NFL's premiere organizations, it was the chance for Cam to write the next chapter of his story back in his birthplace, a city that holds a special place to his family. In a moment of personal reflection, Cam speaks of losing his father, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, and the depression he battled silently from it, almost derailing his young football career. He credits his mother for stepping up, not just as a parent but as an advocate for his football future, making sure coaches knew exactly what kind of player and man they were getting.

Cam's rookie year was also the year Ryan was a captain of the Steelers defense as the two exchange funny stories and talk about the player Cam became and all the different talents and guys who've played for the black and yellow since. Cam opens up about playing alongside his younger brother, Connor Heyward, and how their relationship has evolved from siblings to friends to teammates. He shares what he’s learned from past Steelers legends and how he holds his current teammates to the same high standard that was expected of him. He even reveals some of his instigation tactics during practice used to generate a "Steeler" type of locker-room energy. And, we all know Mike Tomlin as one of the greatest coaches and leaders but Cam sheds insight into his bond with Mike T and some of what we don't see from the outside, explaining how the unconditional trust and respect goes far beyond the field and is never questioned.

Beyond the game, giving back is always at the forefront of Cam's daily routine. After multiple nominations, Heyward won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2023, and he opens up about the surreal feeling of earning the NFL’s highest honor for community service and the forever gratitude of this accomplishment.

But for Cam, legacy isn’t just about awards it’s about chasing greatness, proving doubters wrong, and leaving behind a name that stands for perseverance and impact. He makes it clear his career won’t feel complete without a Super Bowl- He isn't ready to give up the quest for a Lombardi just yet and feels Pittsburgh has the right balance of new faces and veterans to get it done.

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