Steelers DT Cam Heyward cuts little brother Connor no slack

Cam sees to it that Connor represents the Heyward family name well.

There are fewer heartwarming stories than that of Cam and Connor Heyward. When the Pittsburgh Steelers took Cam’s younger brother with their 208th overall pick of the 2022 NFL draft, it was such a Steelers thing to do.

And while offensive coordinator Matt Canada isn’t using Heyward to the offense’s full advantage, it’s still pretty cool that he’s donning the Black and Gold.

“It’s really special to be out there and watch my brother perform and make the most of his opportunities,” Heyward told former Steeler Ryan Clark on “Inside the NFL.”

“I’m the hardest on him on the team. I have to make sure that he represents the name well. He’s not just an extension of my dad, he’s an extension of me, so he can’t be going out there and embarrassing me anytime soon.”

Heyward’s usage through nine games (17 receptions, 137 yards) is greater than it was during his rookie season (12 receptions, 151 yards), but given Pat Freiermuth‘s time on injured reserve, it’s surprising he hasn’t been more involved. His most productive game of the season — 32 yards on three receptions — came just last week against the Green Bay Packers.

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