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Cam Heyward goes to bat for his younger brother and Steelers TE Connor Heyward amidst ongoing criticism from social media

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 7:22 PM ET

Connor Heyward was drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft in what many believed to be a feel-good story. He's carved out a nice niche with the Pittsburgh Steelers, serving as a core special teamer and occasional pass-catching tight end on offense.

But following some recent drops and what some fans believe is regression from Heyward, he has been the face of criticism on social media.

Well, Cam Heyward has had enough of that, and he went to bat for his brother on his podcast.

Cam Heyward wants disrespect of Connor Heyward to end

"Y’all don’t respect him for who he is and how he works and if you all saw the way he cares and saw the way he puts in the time to try to get better and answer all those things," Heyward said on Not Just Football with Cam Heyward. "I just feel like y’all have done him a disservice in not giving that kid a chance. . .

" . . And I’ll say this: half of the people talking can’t even line up, so I don’t want to hear anything more about them. He doesn’t get enough respect, but I don’t think y’all could even do what he’s doing. I wish a lot of people would just shut up and let him work.”

A lot of Steelers fans oushed back at this statement from Cam, but I see where he is coming from. I don't think anyone would want their little brother receiving some of the hate that has gone the way of Connor Heyward.

There is an easy fix for everyone here however: Connor playing the way he did his first two years in Pittsburgh. No more dropped passes or mistakes, simply getting back to being a core special teamer who can plays in the passing game when called upon.

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Easier said than done, I know. And if this were any other player, he wouldn't be receiving the attention and spotlight that Connor has. But that's what comes with the territory of being the brother of one of the best players to ever wear the Black and Gold.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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