Cameron Heyward had a message for all the dads on Father’s Day.
He also shared a message with the Pittsburgh faithful.
“The goal is to be a Steeler for the rest of my career,” Heyward posted on social media. “anyways on a more important front happy Father’s Day yall.”
Heyward reiterating his hope of retiring in Pittsburgh comes during an offseason in which he’s been seeking a new contract at the age of 35, leading pundits to wonder if he’ll remain a Steeler for life.
A 13-year veteran, the defensive tackle is due $16 million in base salary with nothing guaranteed this season, his last under contract. He’d like a new deal, and as part of negotiations stayed away from Pittsburgh’s first two voluntary organized team activities.
He was at the facility for the team’s third week of OTAs, which took place June 3-6, just as he was present for mandatory minicamp from June 11-13. He has also said he will attend the start of training camp, although it is unclear if he will fully participate in on-field work once there.
What is clear is that Heyward wants to finish things where he started as a first-rounder back in 2011.
Heyward is a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro with 80.5 career sacks. He’s been a leader and longtime force for a Steelers defense coming off a sixth-place finish in points allowed.
However, he did deal with a groin injury in 2023, which led to a six-game absence and contributed to his lowest sack total (2.0) since his second year in the league.
The Steelers will take all of that into account, as well as Heyward’s reliable durability before last season, when weighing the best course forward with one of their franchise stalwarts.
We’ll see how it all plays out as the season draws closer.