Heyward’s work ethic impresses Steelers vets

Associated Press

LATROBE, Pa.

Ziggy Hood heard the name, knew the pedigree and wondered exactly what the Pittsburgh Steelers were getting into when they chose defensive lineman Cameron Heyward with the 31st pick in the NFL draft.

A first-round pick from Ohio State whose father Craig is a Steel City legend following his career at Pitt? That could lead to a combustible mix of ego and privilege, right?

“It’s the recipe for it,” Hood said.

Just not with Heyward.

The rookie doesn’t really do ego. He doesn’t do privilege either. Instead, you’ll find him doing the things that rookies — even first-round picks — are supposed to do during a first training camp. If he’s not carrying the pads of a veteran teammate off the field following practice then he’s picking up the tab for the defensive line’s late-night snacks.

“He’s a rookie, and he acts like a rookie,” said defensive tackle Casey Hampton. “That’s a major thing. You kind of probably wouldn’t think that from his background but obviously his father and his mama did a great job of keeping him grounded.”

While confident in his abilities, Heyward doesn’t carry himself with a sense of entitlement. Good thing, because that wouldn’t go over well on a line littered with Pro Bowlers in a city where work ethic is the only currency that matters.

“He came in here, has put his hand in the dirt and was ready to work,” said defensive end Brett Keisel.

Playing in defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau’s intricate 3-4 defense is tough for a newcomer. Hood struggled with it. So did Keisel, Chris Hoke and Aaron Smith.

Yet Heyward has hung in there. Hood believes the 6-foot-5, 288-pound Heyward is farther along than he was as a rookie two years ago despite not having the luxury of going through mini-camp and organized team activities due to the NFL lockout.

“He’s not believing his own hype, that’s the main thing,” Hood said. “He’s a young guy coming here trying to learn.”

While eager to contribute he has no visions of playing on the first-team this year, not while playing behind the likes of Keisel and Smith, who have a combined 19 years and two Pro Bowls between them.

“I’m not going to step on anybody’s toes,” Heyward said. “I’ve got a lot to learn. I’m a young guy and I don’t have any room to talk.”

But plenty of room to listen. Most days you can find Heyward heading to the locker room nodding quietly as his older teammates break down what just happened in practice.

Heyward understands his job is to soak up as much knowledge as he can and be ready when his time comes.

“My expectations is [we’re] the best defensive line [in the NFL],” he said. “I just get to be a complimentary player. It’s an honor to play with those guys.”