Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Connor Heyward reveals how his transition from the team is going.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Connor Heyward joined the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason after spending the first four years of his NFL career in the Steel City. He has since reflected on how the transition with his new team is going.
“I feel like the transition is going well. Obviously new to me, playing strictly fullback. In Pittsburgh, played more of the tight end position, played fallback at times and the tush push last year,” Heyward said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I feel like I’m picking up on it. It’s the West Coast [offense], but it’s something that you have to know on the back of your hand and be able to play fast because you can do so many things within this offense.”
Heyward played in 68 games for the Steelers, catching 44 passes for 379 yards and three touchdowns. Last season, he also took snaps when Pittsburgh called its tush push play, picking up 43 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries.
The Raiders then gave Heyward a two-year, $5.5 million deal this offseason, which is a nice pay bump from his sixth-round rookie salary.
However, part of Heyward’s transition will include not playing alongside his older brother, Cam, who wished Connor well in his new opportunity.
“So proud of this dude @connorheyward1 You have worked your ass off. So excited for this next chapter in YOUR story,” Cam Heyward wrote on Instagram. “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!”
Connor seems up for the challenge, though, and has already been doing everything he can to dive into the Raiders culture.
“I’ve embraced my role. I’ve embraced the people here. I’ve embraced the city here. I’ve moved onto this chapter,” Heyward continued. “I loved Pittsburgh, but I feel like I’m gonna transition well. And I feel like I’ve transitioned well up to this point.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Connor Heyward Reflects on Parting With Steelers
