Cam Heyward gets emotional during 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year acceptance speech

Cameron Heyward is the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, an award the NFL annually presents to honor a player’s commitment to philanthropy and community impact. The NFL often describes the award as its “most prestigious accolade.”

Heyward has spent 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Heyward was the Steelers’ Man of the Year nominee for a sixth time overall this year and for a third consecutive season. This is his first time winning the honor.

Heyward is the fifth Pittsburgh player to have been voted NFL Man of the Year, joining a hallowed contingent comprised of Pro Football Hall of Famers: Franco Harris (1976), Joe Greene (1979), Lynn Swann (1981) and Jerome Bettis (2001).

"When I talk about my dad, he wore No. 34. He's been with me the entire time. He's been with me every step of the way. But I know there was another No. 34 who was helping me. This man Walter Payton."

An emotional #WPMOY speech from @CamHeyward (by @Nationwide) #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/aalIEyWIOQ

— NFL (@NFL) February 9, 2024

In 2015, Heyward created his foundation, “​The Heyward House.” The foundation focuses on combatting childhood hunger, aiding students and teachers, bolstering childhood literacy and fighting cancer.

Heyward knows about childhood struggles. When he was young, Heyward had severe asthma. His condition required numerous hospitalizations, and he often believed he would not be able to play sports. While Heyward was able to overcome this obstacle, his hardships weren’t all in the rearview mirror.

On May 27, 2006, Heyward’s father and former NFL fullback, Craig, died after a seven-year battle with a fervent brain tumor. Again, Heyward had to fight through the darkness. During his acceptance speech on Thursday, Heyward discussed his journey.

“I’ve always thought God and my dad had a plan for me, and I’m living it right now,” Heyward said. “This award is great and I appreciate it, but understand, I got more work to do. I gotta make sure I represent [Walter Payton] every day going forward.

“Keep doing the work. Keep being positive role models you are. I know it’s not always pretty. I know a lot of people like to talk about other stuff. But, you guys are the change. You guys are making a differenc, and I’m just thankful for that.

“If you are a young child or you’re a part of the youth, just know whether you’re struggling, you’re hurting, or just looking for somebody to have your back, I got you. Thank you so much. God bless.”

Cameron Heyward’s accolades aren’t limited to off the field. In the 2023 campaign, Heyward 33 tackles and eight sacks. In his career, Heyward boasts 80.5 sacks and 647 tackles. Along with the award, the NFL will donate $250,000 to the charity of Heyward’s choice.