Pittsburgh lauds Steelers' Cameron Heyward, NFL Man of the Year, for serving city 'with distinction'

Pittsburgh Steelers star Cameron Heyward was recognized Wednesday by city leaders after he won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, considered the league’s highest honor.

Appearing during a City Council meeting Downtown, Mayor Ed Gainey said he wanted to recognize the towering defensive lineman for “serving Pittsburgh with distinction.”

“Throughout his 13-year career, he has been deeply involved in helping the community and always using his platform for good,” Gainey said, calling Heyward an “exceptional leader” on and off the field.

With the 6-foot-5 Heyward in attendance, Gainey joined council in hosting a brief proclamation ceremony in council chambers to declare it “Cam Heyward Day.”

That contrasted with a recent closed-door ceremony Gainey hosted in honor of Pittsburgh Penguins great Jaromir Jagr, whose number was retired in February.

“My kids, I’m just trying to show them the way,” Heyward told onlookers during the ceremony. “I’m trying to lead my family and provide for them a model of how to represent your city.”

Heyward credited first responders, nurses, his family and other local leaders for helping him leverage his platform to make a positive impact.

Gainey touted Heyward’s efforts to uplift the Pittsburgh community, such as Cam’s Kindness Week, when Heyward supports various organizations with donations and outreach.

The Steelers’ veteran defensive captain also has donated to the Homewood Children’s Village, helped coordinate a toy and coat drive for kids in foster care, hosted an appreciation dinner for teachers and worked with Reflections of Grace to support children and families affected by brain cancer.

Heyward was presented with the Man of the Year Award in February.

The honor, which was established in 1970, is intended for a player who “excels on the field and demonstrates a passion for creating a lasting positive impact beyond the game.”