A benefit of having access to so many media platforms in 2024 is that athletes will have more ability to manage their message. Veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward of the Pittsburgh Steelers seems to be taking advantage of that.
In response to rumors that he could retire, Heyward made it quite evident on the January 18 edition of his podcast, Not Just Football, that he isn’t done playing football.
“To put it bluntly, I’m not retiring,” Heyward said to Hayden Walsh, his co-host. “I want to bring my body back to being healthy. I could hardly run after the season, dude, and I had played a whole season on one stupid leg.
“I understand that coming back was enjoyable, but you have no idea what it’s like to play a whole game and have your body go into shock, wondering what the hell you just tried to put me through?”
Heyward also stated unequivocally that he will not accept a wage decrease in order to return for a fourteenth season.
Heyward remarked, “Screw the people who keep talking about me getting a pay cut.” I’ll state it right now: “I don’t plan on playing just one more season, but I have to give my body time to heal and feel good again.”
Heyward missed the entire 2023 season due to a groin issue. On January 17, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reported that Heyward experienced a groin problem on the first day of training camp. In Week 1, the muscle tore away from the bone.
However, Heyward made a comeback to start the season’s final 11 games, including the postseason.
Cameron Heyward of the Steelers Issues a Warning About a Possible Pay Cut and Injury Rehab
Heyward’s tirade was ultimately intended to convey the idea that it is too soon to draw any firm conclusions regarding his future. The three-time All-Pro defensive lineman wants things to “calm down” before talking more about his future now that the season has over.
Heyward wasn’t the same pass rusher in 2023 because to his groin injury, but he was still strong against the run. In his career, he only got two sacks and three quarterback hits.
The veteran stated that he was confident in his abilities to recover physically and become better. The question is whether his physique can withstand the rigors of another demanding NFL season.
Heyward was declared out of the season by one doctor following his groin injury, as Walsh revealed on the Not Just Football podcast. In 12 weeks, according to another doctor, he could return.
However, Heyward returned after seven and a half weeks. Heyward stated he would not go through the accelerated recovery procedure again, even though he doesn’t regret it.
Heyward declared, “I’m not going to spend this season doing this stuff again.” “Doing what I did this past year and trying to do it for multiple seasons is not fair to my body, and it’s not fair to my family.”
Heyward Intends to Participate in Multiple Seasons
Heyward’s desire to play beyond 2024 is one factor that might aid in his comeback.
Heyward’s 2024 season cap hit will be $22.4 million according to his existing contract. Based on his production in 2023, that is an impressive amount.
By releasing Heyward, the Steelers would be able to avoid paying the $16 million salary cap. However, Kaboly contended that Steelers owner Art Rooney II is unlikely to take that action into consideration.
Kaboly stated, “Owner Art Rooney II would much rather eat that salary than nudge him out the door. Heyward is viewed as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.”
Heyward may also be extended, which would reduce his 2024 salary cost charge and provide the Steelers with some much-needed short-term salary cap flexibility.
To do that, though, the Steelers would have to have the same confidence Heyward possesses that he will be able to stay healthy and return to his Pro Bowl form.
“I fully expect when I do play, to be playing at a higher level than I played this past year,” Heyward said. “I don’t think I’m falling off a cliff yet. There’s a lot more I can do and a lot more that I need to do in this game before I retire.
“I’m not ready to write the ending just yet.”
