Steelers Legend Surprises Cam Heyward After Walter Payton Award
PITTSBURGH -- Cam Heyward's celebratory press conference after he was named 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year was led off with a question asked by "Joe from Vegas," who wanted to know what it felt like for Heyward to become the fourth Pittsburgh Steelers player to ever win the award.
“It’s unbelievable. You look at guys like Joe Greene, Lynn Swan, Jerome Bettis and Franco - I am just so honored to be among that group," Heyward, the longtime Steelers captain said. "I almost don’t feel worthy of it because those guys did so much for the community and upheld the standard. It’s just unbelievable to be a part of it.”
Little did Heyward know that "Joe from Veags" was actually Steelers legend and the 1979 winner of the Man of the Year award, Joe Greene. He jumped on the call to surprise Heyward and offer his congratulations on joining and exclusive and distinguished group of Steelers greats.
You know how much I appreciate you and I've always loved your game but I always loved the man you were and are," Heyward said.
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.
"Well, I know Joe doesn't like doing some of this stuff. So when he does things like this, I'm just floored," Heyward said. "I know how great of a man he is and I know he doesn't want to create a spotlight but I love that man. That is the biggest shadow you'll ever be in and every Steeler defensive lineman will always be in that shadow."
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