Cameron Heyward, a defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was named the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, the NFL announced today. The most coveted prize in the league, the Nationwide award recognizes NFL players who thrive on the field and show a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the community off the field. The 1970-established national award was renamed in 1999 in honor of Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton, a member of the Hall of Fame. During NFL Honors, the League’s yearly two-hour primetime awards show, which aired nationally on CBS tonight, the news was made.
All 32 NFL clubs’ Man of the Year nominees will be honored for their accomplishments to the game and their communities prior to Super Bowl LVIII’s beginning. Heyward will be presented as the 2023 recipient of Man of the Year during the pregame.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, “Cameron Heyward’s character and contributions to his community are recognized by his teammates, the community, and greater NFL family.” “As a Steeler and a resident of Pittsburgh, he has brought a special touch to his community by advocating for social justice, reading, and mentoring. His leadership has given individuals in need vital help during difficult times via programs like The Heyward House Foundation, Suiting Up for Success, and the Voices of Hope Scholarship. Cameron Heyward is our 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and we are really thrilled to announce this.”
“Cameron Heyward has been named the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year! Congratulations, Nationwide,” stated Ramon Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Nationwide. “As an organization dedicated to safeguarding, enhancing, and fortifying communities, we are delighted to commemorate Cameron Heyward’s selfless efforts to better the lives of others as we mark our tenth year as the award’s presenting sponsor.”
Cameron Heyward, who has played in the NFL for 13 seasons, is renowned for creating some of the top defensive line plays in the business and has emerged as a key figure in the locker room. His 78.5 career sacks rank third among active NFL defensive tackles and are the most by any defensive lineman since 1982, not to mention the history of the Steelers. His 177 quarterback hits and 116 tackles for loss rank third among active defensive lineman over the nine seasons he has been the defensive captain. Heyward’s
Six Pro Bowls, three Associated Press First Team All-Pro selections, three Pro Football Focus First Team All-Pro crowns, and two Pro Football Writers of America All-NFL selections are just a few of his numerous on-field achievements. Furthermore, Heyward is the only other interior defensive lineman (DT-NT) for the Steelers to be selected many times to the Associated Press First-Team All-Pro.
After his father passed away, Heyward was raised by his mother and his three siblings, exposing him to the difficulties faced by kids and parents of one-parent households. In order to leave a lasting legacy, Heyward, as a son, brother, husband, and father, now deeply values family and instills the concept of service. This is why, in 2014, he established The Heyward House Foundation, an organization devoted to combating hunger, battling illness, promoting literacy, and assisting educators and kids via a range of programs.
Since both of Heyward’s deceased grandparents had worked as teachers in Pittsburgh Public Schools for a considerable amount of time, Heyward established the Rufus and Judy Jordan Literacy Project in 2020 as a division of the Heyward House Foundation. Heyward installed Little Free Libraries for marginalized communities as part of the initiative, and over 9,300 youngsters received wholesome meals they could take home over the weekend.
Heyward began working with The Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation to raise funds for $40,000 in scholarships to support post-secondary education for brain tumor patients and their families in remembrance of his father, who passed away from brain cancer and was a strong supporter of education.
A six-time Steelers Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, Heyward is a stalwart both on and off the field in Pittsburgh. Throughout the 2023–2024 season, he oversaw outreach initiatives that had a bigger influence on the community. Heyward welcomed high school players who had been nominated by their coaches and who had also sustained injuries to the Steelers’ practice facility following an injury that kept him out of the lineup for six games this season. The invited youngsters interacted with the squad, saw practice, and had conversations on overcoming hardship.
Through his second annual Cam’s Kindness Week, a series of events aimed at improving the lives of kids, academics, healthcare professionals, and athletes, Heyward’s desire to give back persisted. At the local children’s hospital, Cam started his Kindness Week by recording a book reading for the patients to watch, throwing a Kindness Week Kickoff Party, and buying lunch for all of the staff members, medical professionals, and patient families.
He gave speeches all week to high school student athletes, kids grieving the death of a loved one, and adolescents impacted by the social justice system on the value of striving for success. Heyward opened the newest Craig’s Closet site as a way to cap up Cam’s Kindness Week. Craig’s Closet is a 2018-founded organization that gives young men professional clothes for internships and job interviews. Through Heyward’s Suiting Up for Success mentorship program, Craig’s Closet has served over 700 young men and currently operates 16 sites around Pittsburgh.
A $250,000 contribution will be given to Heyward, to be used for the charity of his choosing. Up to $55,000 will be awarded to each candidate. The NFL Foundation and Nationwide make all gifts possible.