Latest news with #ConnorHeyward
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers' Connor Heyward dismisses Jonnu Smith trade rumors — questions his fit on offense
It's safe to say one Steelers tight end isn't thrilled by the recent Jonnu Smith trade rumors. Connor Heyward, who serves as a FB/TE hybrid for the Steelers, isn't sold on how well Smith fits the offense — as the Dolphins Pro Bowler would enter an already crowded TE room with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Advertisement PennLive's Nick Farabaugh was caught up with Heyward — and the young Steeler explained why the trade rumors make little sense: "We all see it, but let's be honest. It would be complicated having him and Pat. They're kind of the same type of tight end,' Heyward said. 'They both got to have 100 balls a year thrown their way. You've seen that. We all have produced — me, Darnell, and Pat. If that was to happen, we'd welcome it, but at the same time, we know Pat's our guy right now." Heyward wasn't finished there, however, as he continued to tell Farabaugh that the Steel City runs through Freiermuth — and that the trade is unlikely to happen: "People aren't just saying Muth for no reason. Pat's here. If that was happening — and I don't think it's going to happen — but Pat's here." Advertisement Insider Adam Schefter recently reported that the Steelers were back in trade talks with the Dolphins regarding Smith — and if he were acquired by Pittsburgh, Heyward may have some explaining to do. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' Connor Heyward criticizes Jonnu Smith trade rumors
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers TE Connor Heyward preparing for position change
Every season the top teams in the NFL continue to innovate and evolve on offense to keep up with athletic defenses and come up with new ways to move the football and score more points. Then there are the Pittsburgh Steelers. While some teams are finding ways to incorporate more athletes into the game plan and create mismatches for opposing defenses, Pittsburgh is hoping in the wayback machine and bulking up tight end Connor Heyward to use him more as a fullback. Heyward spoke to the media during OTAs and said he's up to 240 pounds and looks to be moving into a heavier role as a fullback in the upcoming season. Advertisement 'My senior year I played at 240," Heyward said. "I was blocking some bigger guys, so just really hitting the weight room with Cam. I know it's got to be a big year in every type of way, special teams, offense when I'm in there, perimeter blocking. I also just got bigger because he's more at fullback. Just come and look at that type. Honestly, just locking on the playbook. I feel like everything's just slowed down. Last year everything was moving fast. Not saying that I didn't know it, but just comfortable." This news is in addition to reports that the Steelers are looking for what is being described as another playmaker on offense but in the form of another tight end. Head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith seem to want to hop in a time machine and try to keep up with 2025 NFL offenses with an offense out of the 1970s. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers TE Connor Heyward bulks up to play fullback
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pittsburgh Steelers spend day with kids at event sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh once again partnered with the Steelers for the Big Draft event. Every year, Big Brothers Big Sisters, a nonprofit mentorship organization, introduces kids to some Pittsburgh Steelers. The groups engage in a day of fun, football drills and storytelling from members of the team. Advertisement It happened this morning at the West Penn Community Center. Tight end Connor Heyward, defensive end Logan Lee and cornerback Cory Trice Jr. 'We are incredibly grateful to the Steelers organization for partnering with us on this memorable event. Watching our Littles interact with the players is truly special. While they enjoy the drills, what really stands out are the powerful stories the players share about their own mentors. For so many, having a positive mentor can make all the difference in their lives,' said Marc Bloomingdale, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. Organization volunteers said it does not take a lot of time to make an impression on a young life. Advertisement 'I think that's the misnomer that a lot of people have. They don't have the time and the energy to fully be part of this organization and that's not true,' said Angie Pickels who is on the BBBS Board of Directors. Big Brothers Big Sisters said it is in urgent need of Bigs, with four hundred youth waiting for a mentor in our area. Click here to learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
The Independent
05-02-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Black NFL players offer their survey responses and broader thoughts on a lack of Black head coaches
From organized team activities through the end of the regular season, reporters from The Associated Press who cover the NFL spoke to more than 65 Black players from 25 teams to gather their thoughts on the state of Black head coaches in the league. Players were asked three survey questions (not everyone answered all): — Do you want to be an NFL head coach one day? Yes: 25; No: 40; Not Sure: 1 — Were you discouraged or disappointed by the number of NFL head coaches who are Black (seven entering the 2024 season)? Yes: 23; No: 37; Not Sure: 4 — Are you encouraged by the number of Black coaches hired last offseason (three, equaling the most in one year since 2000)? Yes: 54; No: 4; Not Sure: 1 Here is a sampling of what players shared with the AP during the conversations that followed: NFL players want to become NFL coaches 'For me, I think my purpose is bigger than just me playing football. I think I can inspire the next generation of football players, of young men, to be more, do more. And being a head coach in the NFL has always been a dream of mine." — Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. 'The guys that are playing in the NFL are obviously predominantly guys of color and a lot of us love the game and a lot of us want to coach after, so I think when we look up in 20 years, you'll see a lot of change.' — Steelers tight end Connor Heyward 'Those positions should be easier to get for us. We've been around it. As Black professional athletes, we have a certain understanding of the game that can be translated or a lot more relatable in cases.' — Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack 'I feel like it's getting better, but I do feel like there's more room. There should be more room for opportunity.' — Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad Players were encouraged by the hirings of Black coaches last offseason 'It's a sign of progress: We see more and more coaches that are getting their foot in the door.' — Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton 'It's definitely an encouraging sign to see it happen more often. ... I believe that there's always been a stigma and there has always been preconceived notions or microaggressions in the league, especially in a league full of white owners." — Jets defensive end Solomon Thomas Why aren't there more Black head coaches in the NFL? 'There are qualified people that can do a good job if given the proper opportunity.' — Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell 'If there are Black coaches who are capable — and there are — there's no reason why they shouldn't be in those positions. Good coaches are good coaches.' — Ravens edge Tavius Robinson 'Absolutely we need diversity. That's what makes America the greatest country in the world — is our diversity, is the fact that we pull from different cultures and we create this blissful area of America. You know, we have our ups and downs and we battle each other. That's human nature: You like who looks like you. You're kind of nervous or wary of people who don't look like you.' — Cowboys special teams player C.J. Goodwin 'I've known guys personally who have done everything the right way to qualify, but for some reason haven't gotten the opportunity. So that's more the discouraging piece.' — Browns safety Rodney McLeod 'I feel like coaching is a good ol' boy system. Who you know matters. And unfortunately, white owners probably know more white people than they know Black people.' — Commanders offensive lineman Cornelius Lucas 'That's probably where the biggest change would take place, when you start having African-American guys become more in leadership type roles and the league is then run by a more diverse group of people.' — Browns linebacker Jordan Hicks Why does representation matter in NFL coaching? 'I do believe that head coaches being Black have been underrepresented in the league for a long time. ... Representation really matters. I think it's powerful. And it's why the Rooney Rule was invented.' — Jets defensive end Solomon Thomas 'I feel like guys like (Texans coach) DeMeco Ryans are kind of changing the mold and showing people that you can be successful as a player and then turn around and be successful as a coach. It's not like one or the other.' — Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson ___
Fox Sports
05-02-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Black NFL players offer their survey responses and broader thoughts on a lack of Black head coaches
Associated Press From organized team activities through the end of the regular season, reporters from The Associated Press who cover the NFL spoke to more than 65 Black players from 25 teams to gather their thoughts on the state of Black head coaches in the league. Players were asked three survey questions (not everyone answered all): — Do you want to be an NFL head coach one day? Yes: 25; No: 40; Not Sure: 1 — Were you discouraged or disappointed by the current number of NFL head coaches who are Black (seven entering the 2024 season)? Yes: 23; No: 37; Not Sure: 4 — Are you encouraged by the number of Black coaches hired last offseason (three, equaling the most in one year since 2000)? Yes: 54; No: 4; Not Sure: 1 Here is a sampling of what players shared with the AP during the conversations that followed: NFL players want to become NFL coaches 'For me, I think my purpose is bigger than just me playing football. I think I can inspire the next generation of football players, of young men, to be more, do more. And being a head coach in the NFL has always been a dream of mine." — Dolphins linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. 'The guys that are playing in the NFL are obviously predominantly guys of color and a lot of us love the game and a lot of us want to coach after, so I think when we look up in 20 years, you'll see a lot of change.' — Steelers tight end Connor Heyward 'Those positions should be easier to get for us. We've been around it. As Black professional athletes, we have a certain understanding of the game that can be translated or a lot more relatable in cases.' — Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack 'I feel like it's getting better, but I do feel like there's more room. There should be more room for opportunity.' — Broncos linebacker Justin Strnad Players were encouraged by the hirings of Black coaches last offseason 'It's a sign of progress: We see more and more coaches that are getting their foot in the door.' — Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton 'It's definitely an encouraging sign to see it happen more often. ... I believe that there's always been a stigma and there has always been preconceived notions or microaggressions in the league, especially in a league full of white owners." — Jets defensive end Solomon Thomas Why aren't there more Black head coaches in the NFL? 'There are qualified people that can do a good job if given the proper opportunity.' — Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell 'If there are Black coaches who are capable — and there are — there's no reason why they shouldn't be in those positions. Good coaches are good coaches.' — Ravens edge Tavius Robinson 'Absolutely we need diversity. That's what makes America the greatest country in the world — is our diversity, is the fact that we pull from different cultures and we create this blissful area of America. You know, we have our ups and downs and we battle each other. That's human nature: You like who looks like you. You're kind of nervous or wary of people who don't look like you.' — Cowboys special teams player C.J. Goodwin 'I've known guys personally who have done everything the right way to qualify, but for some reason haven't gotten the opportunity. So that's more the discouraging piece.' — Browns safety Rodney McLeod 'I feel like coaching is a good ol' boy system. Who you know matters. And unfortunately, white owners probably know more white people than they know Black people.' — Commanders offensive lineman Cornelius Lucas 'That's probably where the biggest change would take place, when you start having African-American guys become more in leadership type roles and the league is then run by a more diverse group of people.' — Browns linebacker Jordan Hicks Why does representation matter in NFL coaching? 'I do believe that head coaches being Black have been underrepresented in the league for a long time. ... Representation really matters. I think it's powerful. And it's why the Rooney Rule was invented.' — Jets defensive end Solomon Thomas 'I feel like guys like (Texans coach) DeMeco Ryans are kind of changing the mold and showing people that you can be successful as a player and then turn around and be successful as a coach. It's not like one or the other.' — Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson ___ AP NFL: recommended
