Cam Heyward shares hilarious tale of how his special team career ended

Cam Heyward, a six-time Pro Bowler and the Steelers' defensive anchor, shared a humorous tale of his early career on his podcast, "Not Just Football with Cam Heyward." As a first-round pick, Heyward joined an already established defensive line room and quickly learned the harsh realities of roster survival in the NFL. Rookie defensive linemen were often forced onto special teams units to maintain their spots on the 53-man squad.

It was during this time that legendary Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell gave a directive that would shape Heyward's early career. Mitchell told the room, "I got my starters. Y'all better get on special teams or you won't be on this team." Faced with this mandate, Heyward took on the role of a kickoff returner for four or five years, playing the wedge position.

Serving in this position meant enduring brutal collisions, but it also provided Heyward with a way to stay on the team. However, his special teams career didn't end on a high note. In a game against the Baltimore Ravens, Heyward improvised a carry on a squib kick, gaining 11 yards. While this move didn't earn him praise from former head coach Mike Tomlin, Heyward took matters into his own hands and ended his special teams wedge blocks, realizing that everyone in the team earns their spot, regardless of their draft position.