Steelers' Cameron Heyward opens up about cryptic social media post amid retirement rumors

Before Super Bowl LX got underway this past Sunday, longtime Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward attracted some attention when he shared a cryptic social media post that featured a book closing shut. 

Some understandably wondered if Heyward was suggesting that he had played his final meaningful in-game down as a member of the Steelers or as an active player. During the latest edition of his "Not Just Football with Cam Heyward" podcast, the 36-year-old seemed to acknowledge that he was simply having fun with his use of that particular GIF. 

What did Cameron Heyward "close the book on" via social media post? 

"We're gonna close the book on this season," Heyward explained, per Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "I closed the book on this season as well." 

During Super Bowl week media appearances, Heyward insisted that he doesn't want to play for any team other than the Steelers. However, he also acknowledged that he was preparing himself for a situation that may involve recently hired Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy not wanting Heyward on the roster for the 2026 season. 

Heyward and the Steelers agreed to a revised deal ahead of the 2025 campaign, and he is under contract through next season. While he said last week that money won't impact whether or not he chooses to keep playing, his post left some thinking he had already made a final decision.  

Did Cameron Heyward admit to trolling with social media post?

"That was dirty work by you," podcast co-host Hayden Walsh told Heyward about the social media post. "You know what you were doing." 

"That was dirty work? All I was saying is I finally get to close the season," Heyward responded. "It was from Super Bowl day. I had to do stuff on Super Bowl day." 

Multiple reports have revealed that the Steelers are serious about wanting to bring 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers back to serve as their starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Such a win-now mentality would lead one to believe Pittsburgh also wants to have Heyward on the roster, but the two sides may need to work out another restructured deal at some point before training-camp practices get underway this coming summer.