Two Legends from His Past Surprise Cam Heyward after WPMOY Win

Steelers DT Cam Heyward
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Hayward takes a break at practice during training camp at St. Vincent College on July 28, 2023. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Two individuals from his past surprised Cam Heyward on Friday to help celebrate his Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award win on Thursday night.

Pittsburgh Steelers legend Joe Greene and former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel both surprised Heyward during his conference call with the Pittsburgh media on Friday after winning the award

“Joe from Vegas” started the call by asking Heyward a question about becoming the fifth member of the Steelers to win the award.

Steelers Joe Greene Franco Harris

“It’s unbelievable,” Heyward answered, without knowing the identity of his questioner. “You look at guys like Joe Greene, Lynn Swann, Jerome Bettis and Franco [Harris], I am just so honored to be among that group. 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.”

That’s when Greene, who was a member of the front office when the Steelers drafted Heyward in 2011, revealed his true identity, to the surprise of the WPMOY winner.

“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.

The next caller was Tressel, Heyward’s college head coach at Ohio State. Heyward was part of Tressel’s last team at OSU.

“Aww, Tress,” Heyward said when he heard his voice. “Coach, you’ve always been a guy to rely on, count on. You did it the right way and I’ve always just wanted to follow your lead. There’s no Walter Payton Man of the Year Award without Coach Tress.”

Heyward followed by taking numerous actual questions from real members of the Pittsburgh media, but the outpouring of love shown to him after his well-deserved victory continues to be the main story.

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