A standout player for the Steelers, who has been selected to the Pro Bowl six times, reveals plans for surgery during the offseason.
NFL players are using the offseason to recuperate from the strains of another grueling season, and this holds true for one of the Steelers’ standout defenders.
Cameron Heyward, a defensive tackle with 13 seasons under his belt, took to Instagram to reveal that he recently underwent surgery.
“Finally got the surgery done,” Heyward shared. “Looking forward to getting back to full health!”
Following the Steelers’ wild-card round loss to the Bills, Heyward had expressed uncertainty about his football future. However, he clarified his intentions to return in a recent episode of his podcast, ‘Not Just Football with Cam Heyward.’
“I’m not hanging up my cleats. I hate to be blunt, but retirement is not on my mind,” Heyward asserted. “My priority is to nurse my body back to health. I just wrapped up a season where I played on one leg practically, struggling to run even after the season ended.”
His recent surgery sheds light on his quest for physical recovery. Heyward, who is 34 years old, suffered a groin injury early in the season, sidelining him for eight weeks. It appears the injury was more severe than initially believed.
Despite returning to action, Heyward never fully regained his form, resulting in one of his least productive seasons statistically in over a decade. The six-time Pro Bowler concluded the year with modest numbers—33 tackles and two sacks.
Heyward’s determination to return this season likely stemmed from his desire to experience postseason play once more. However, the team’s failure to advance fuels his motivation to give it another shot in 2024.
“I believe in this team. We have what it takes to win a Super Bowl,” Heyward emphasized. “That’s my driving force—the missed opportunity to compete for a championship.”
With Heyward turning 35 before the next season begins, it could potentially mark his final campaign, given the mounting toll of injuries as his career winds down.
