Steelers DT Cameron Heyward named 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year

Across 13 NFL seasons, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward's work within the community and his charitable endeavors have been recognized as much as his on-field excellence.

On Thursday night, Heyward received the NFL's uppermost acclaim when he was named the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year at NFL Honors from the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas.

Thursday's honor came after Heyward, a six-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time All Pro, was the Steelers' Man of the Year nominee for a sixth time overall and for a third consecutive season.

"Ever since I've been a Pittsburgh Steeler, I've always thought god and my dad had a plan for me, and I'm living it right now," Heyward said Thursday night. "I want to say thank you to the Pittsburgh Steelers for giving me this opportunity."

Heyward's efforts to give back have largely been inspired by his father, former NFL running back Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, who died of brain cancer at the age of 39, when Cam was just 17. Heyward's father wore No. 34, just as Payton did.

"When I talk about my dad, he wore No. 34, and he's been with me the entire time, he's been with me every step of the way," Heyward said in his speech. "But I know there was another 34 that was helping me, this man Walter Payton. He's done so much on and off the field, and he's changed so many lives, that now I have the opportunity to be part of such a great fraternity in the Walter Payton finalists and winners. I know I can carry this on and take the rock. I can't run as fast as Walter, and I won't try, but I'll make sure I do my part. I want to give a big shout out to every nominee, every winner here today. There's no act too small, there's no act too big, we are all trying to make a difference