Heyward vocal leader of defense
And, yes, being left off the Pro Bowl roster motivates him, even though he could be added later after players drop out, as they always do.
“Doesn’t matter what it is, I’m going to find some motivation,” Heyward said. “Whether it’s a Pro Bowl snub, clinching a bye.”
Heyward already is captain of the defense, and with James Harrison’s surprise ouster, his leadership becomes even more of an asset.
“Cam’s been here for us for a while, been a captain,” Ben Roethlisberger said. “Cam’s a vocal guy. James was never a vocal guy. James did it on the field, play-in and play-out, in the weight room and things like that.
“I don’t think it changes much in terms of what Cam is doing. Cam is an awesome leader and an awesome captain for us. He just has to keep doing what he’s doing and performing on the field like he’s been doing.” Heyward agreed. “I always feel responsible for [the leadership role]. It’s not going to change the way I play. James is a leader; we have a lot of leaders on this teamand on this defense.”
Like many others on defense, they miss Harrison and were surprised by his release.
“James has taught a lot of younger guys,” Heyward said. “He’s been a rock, a guy that we can rely on, a guy whohas experienced a lot.”
Heyward, son of the famous “Ironhead” Heyward of Pitt and NFL fame, has not played in a Super Bowl. He arrived as the Steelers’ firstround draft pick from Ohio State in 2011, fewer than three months after they lost in Super Bowl XLV.
His drive to get there and winone is ever-present.
“I’m ready to go,” he said of the playoffs, which won’t start until Jan. 13-14 for his team. “I’m going to take the rest when we get it. I know we have one more game [Cleveland on Sunday at Heinz Field], but this is the time everybody waits for.
“This is the time when dreams are made and dreams are broken. So, we will see you in the playoffs.”