PITTSBURGH — Whenever a person thinks about the number 83 in recent Steelers history, the name Heath Miller is going to pop into their mind almost immediately, and that name rang true for Connor Heyward as well, who is donning the 83 at Steelers rookie minicamp.
While numbers are just numbers, there are some that carry significant weight to them. For a tight end in Steelers history, the number 83 may be the most prestigious of them all. Heyward was not able to pick his number and was given 83, but he knows that number comes with some pressure.
“I think of Heath Miller,” Heyward said of the number 83. “I didn’t pick my number, for people wondering.”
Heyward is likely to see playing time not just at tight end, but at H-Back, fullback, and on special teams as well. He will be a swiss army knife that the Steelers will try to configure as Heyward tries to live up to the expectations of wearing Miller’s number.
There is more to the fact that Miller wore that number. The burden for Heyward to carry will be something that he looks to overcome. Despite the high expectations that come with wearing Miller’s number, Heyward is ready to carve ahead and reach those expectations.
“He’s a legend here,” Heyward said of Miller. “I wouldn’t be surprised if his jersey is retired anytime. He’s a really good player and person in the community. He is the best tight end in the Steelers’ history. I know wearing this right now, I’m going to have high expectations, but I love high expectations. I’ve had pressure on me my whole life. I’m used to it. I’m going to accept it, and hopefully, I leave this jersey in a better place.”