Legendary Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show,” where he discussed the Steel City losing Justin Fields and followed up on his previous comments about Pittsburgh’s recruitment of Aaron Rodgers.
Cam Heyward ‘Kind of Bummed’ That Steelers Lost Justin Fields
After a discussion about college football and Heyward’s time at Ohio State, Eisen steered the conversation toward another former Buckeyes product: Justin Fields. After the 26-year-old QB left the Steelers in free agency, he signed with the New York Jets, joining his former college teammate Garrett Wilson.
Eisen said that it was a great opportunity for Fields and asked Heyward what it was like to play with the former Chicago Bears quarterback for a year. Heyward responded with praise for his former teammate, talking highly of the player’s character.
“First of all, Justin’s a class act. He’s a guy that works his tail off and wants to lead by example. I was kind of bummed it didn’t work out here,” Heyward said. “I thought we were going to have a chance to get him. But, I know that dude is going to dominate in New York. He’s going to give that team a good chance.”
Heyward went on to predict big things for Fields, even suggesting that an MVP season is a possibility in the quarterback’s future. For now, though, Fields is off the team, and the wait goes on for Pittsburgh at the quarterback position.
Heyward Talks Aaron Rodgers, Urgency to Win
Eisen questioned Heyward about the recent news that Rodgers had visited the team’s facility. Heyward had previously stated on the “Not Just Football” podcast that he was tired of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the four-time MVP.
#Steelers DT Cam Heyward on recruiting Aaron Rodgers: "I ain't doing that darkness retreat. I don't need any of that crap. Either you want to be a Steeler or you don't. It's simple. That's the pitch."
(via @NotJustFootball) pic.twitter.com/TRlISFXAtl
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 18, 2025
“Either you want to be a Steeler or you don’t. It’s simple. That’s the pitch,” said Heyward regarding Rodgers’ lack of urgency.
Speaking to Eisen, though, Heyward claimed his words were not an attack on the quarterback: “I don’t think I really called him out. I just said I was not gonna go on a darkness retreat to recruit him. If he wants to be a Steeler, he can be a Steeler.”
Heyward’s retelling of the story brought laughs from within Eisen’s studio.
But despite wanting to take the edge off of his previous words, the seven-time Pro Bowler still refuses to buy into the excitement for Rodgers. Asked for his thoughts on the fact that Rodgers had visited the team, Heyward remained unmoved.
“There’s plenty of people who show up and then don’t get signed. So, like, I’m not putting stock in that, that’s not my decision. Omar [Khan], Mike T[omlin], y’all handle it out, y’all figure it out.”