- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Connor Heyward Opens Up About Leaving Steelers
Former Steelers tight end says decision to join Raiders was "not an easy one"
Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:18pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Connor Heyward revealed in a recent interview that his decision to leave the Steel City for the Las Vegas Raiders was a difficult one. Heyward, who spent the first four seasons of his NFL career playing alongside his older brother Cam, expressed gratitude for his time in Pittsburgh and the opportunity to play with his sibling at the professional level.
Why it matters
Heyward's departure from the Steelers marks the end of an era, as the brothers will no longer be teammates. The move also highlights the challenges players face when deciding to leave a team and city they've grown accustomed to, especially when family is involved.
The details
Heyward signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract with the Raiders, with $2 million guaranteed. During his time with the Steelers, he played in 68 games, catching 44 passes for 379 yards and 3 touchdowns. Last season, he also contributed as a ball carrier, picking up 43 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 carries.
- Heyward spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Steelers.
- Last week, the Steelers signed Cam Heyward to a new two-year contract ahead of his 16th professional season.
The players
Connor Heyward
Former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end who recently signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Cam Heyward
Connor's older brother and defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Paul Gutierrez
Raiders columnist who interviewed Connor Heyward.
What they’re saying
“Honestly, it was so hard. Talking to everybody, I'm still getting messages just saying thank you for the person you were. I'm super grateful for my time in Pittsburgh and obviously playing with Cam. You don't usually get to play with your siblings, let alone at a professional level. So I didn't take it for granted. I loved going in everyday to work with Cam's locker being right next to mine. That was amazing.”
— Connor Heyward, Former Steelers Tight End
“So proud of this dude @connorheyward1 You have worked your ass off. So excited for this next chapter in YOUR story. You were never appreciated enough for the player you are. Can't wait to watch you capitalize on a great situation. I've enjoyed this very cool chapter where I got to say I played with my brother! I love you, I'm proud of you. And now you go and make YOUR LEGACY!”
— Cam Heyward (Instagram)
The takeaway
Connor Heyward's decision to leave the Steelers for the Raiders highlights the bittersweet nature of professional sports, where family ties can be both a blessing and a challenge. His departure marks the end of a special chapter where the Heyward brothers got to play together, but also opens a new door for Connor to establish his own legacy in the NFL.
