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Cam Heyward, Who Has Earned $145+ Million From NFL, Feels He Isn’t Being 'Greedy' by Asking for More Money From Steelers
Cam Heyward, Who Has Earned $145+ Million From NFL, Feels He Isn't Being Cam Heyward (Image via IMAGO)

Cam Heyward, Who Has Earned $145+ Million From NFL, Feels He Isn’t Being 'Greedy' by Asking for More Money From Steelers

Originally posted on FirstSportz  |  By Ishan Misra  |  Last updated Sep 6, 2025 8:30 AM ET

Cam Heyward expressed grief about his wages days before the Pittsburgh Steelers’ week one fixture against the New York Jets. Heyward is seeking an updated salary package. Worthy of his output on the football field.

Heyward has spent his 14-year long career with the Steelers and aspires to continue, but before that, the front office must sign him to a new deal. In protest, Heyward opted to sit out of the training camp, continuing his conditioning process on the side.

A team captain with a net worth of $25 million, holding out for money, generated negative publicity on social media. Heyward doesn’t allow outside noise to bother him because it’s impossible to control every narrative.

The 36-year-old knows that he can’t play forever. At some point, he has to hang up his boots. So as long as he’s playing, he wants to earn top dollar to give his family a better life.

I have to make a decision for my family. This is a business. I cannot play this game forever, and just like I’m maximized on the field, I want to be maximized outside of it. I don’t want to be taken care of that way. It’s not being greedy; it’s just the way this game is. It’s not for long, NFL. So, I would tell every guy, maximize your opportunities and keep going from there.

Cam Heyward said (H/T: ESPN’s Brooke Pryor)

Despite playing limited games due to injury in 2023, the Steelers agreed to sign Heyward to a three-year, $45 million contract extension. Heyward promised to bring the front office back to the negotiation table upon a successful season.

In 2024, Heyward recorded 71 combined tackles, 8 sacks, and 11 pass deflections. As promised, he wants to be compensated, which the Steelers aren’t ready to entertain, leading to the standoff.

Steelers head coach gives his verdict on Cam Heyward’s status on the team

Heyward is a senior head in the Steelers locker room and also a captain. Losing someone with Heyward’s influence may reduce the morale of the defense.

The Steelers need a figure like Heyward to lead the team in week one. Head coach Mike Tomlin has no doubts that the fans will see the familiar number 97 lining up on the field next to TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith .

I’m certainly expecting Cam to play. Cam hasn’t played a lot in team development over the last several years. My job is to get him in and out of Latrobe, and I’ve done my job. And so, there are no reservations about his participation or his readiness. I’m sure he’s champing at the bit. 

Mike Tomlin said

If Heyward remains unavailable for the fixture, the Steelers will miss two possible starting defensive linemen. They placed rookie DT Derrick Harmon on IR due to a sprained MCL.

The AFC North team has a new quarterback under center. Following an extended courtship, the Steelers managed to woo four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to ditch the Vikings and the Giants and sign with them.

Rodgers was cut by the New York Jets in the offseason after two disappointing years in the Big Apple. Now he has a chance of redemption. On the other hand, the Jets employed former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, who played six games for the Pittsburgh franchise.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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