Steelers' defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is NFL's Good Guy Award recipient

An eventful couple of weeks continued Tuesday for Cameron Heyward when the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle was named the recipient of the Good Guy Award by the Pro Football Writers of America.

Heyward was presented the award Friday, which also was his 33rd birthday, by members of the PFWA local chapter at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. The announcement was embargoed until Tuesday.

Team president Art Rooney helped honor Heyward, who will receive the physical award before a Steelers preseason game.

The award is given to an NFL player based on his qualities and professional style in helping pro football writers do their job. The other finalists were Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin, Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons and former Cincinnati Bengals tight end C.J. Uzomah.

Heyward is the second Steelers player to win the award. Running back Jerome Bettis was the inaugural winner in 2005. Wide receiver Hines Ward, who was nominated in 2006, is the only other Steelers finalist.

Philip Rivers won the award in 2021, his final NFL season. Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was the recipient in 2020.

That Heyward was nominated was hardly a surprise. He has been nominated by the Steelers four times for the national Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, which is presented to an NFL player for excellence in the community.

Heyward watched the Steelers draft his younger brother, Connor, a tight end/fullback from Michigan State in the sixth round on April 30. On Sunday, he was a keynote speaker at the Carlow University graduation ceremony, where he also was issued an honorary doctorate of science degree.