Cam Heyward: My Goal is to Retire with Steelers

Cam Heyward wants to retire with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Amid his contract talks, which do not seem close to finishing up with a successful extension, Heyward commented to Mark Kaboly of the Athletic that he would be okay playing for another team in 2025 if it came down to that. Moreover, he threw out a playful possibility of playing in Cleveland. The latter portion seemed more tongue-in-cheek, but Heyward could legitimately look at playing elsewhere following this season.

“I have talked to my wife (Allie), and we know the reality, and we have had those talks, and she said it could be fun to play somewhere else,” Heyward said to Kaboly. “If that is what is needed to be done, then so be it.”

Cam Heyward took to X on Sunday to wish everyone a Happy Father’s Day and remind them that he does not want to go anywhere, stating that his goal is to retire as a Steeler.

In other words, he will stay in Pittsburgh, an ideal world for Heyward. But there is still considerable doubt about whether that will happen. Heyward is coming off an injury-riddled season that forced the Steelers to pause here, especially considering he is 35 years old. And the history of guys securing an extension at his age is rare.

“My game is different from everybody else in this league,” Heyward said. “I like to think I can play the run and the pass. And that’s why I’m different. Last year Mike (Tomlin) brought to my attention, the thing that’s really cool is you watch powerlifters, and my game is built on power and technique. And (powerlifters) go into their 40s. And so, you know, that’s what kind of research I’m doing behind the scenes.”

Instead, Heyward might have to play it year by year, even if he wants security in his later career. Pittsburgh also wants to see him play in the season before they commit to him being around. All that comes together to create the perfect storm of doubt around Heyward’s future in Pittsburgh.