Cam Heyward reveals conversation with Russell Wilson before Steelers QB's arrival - "This is where Gladiators come"
Cameron Heyward is one of the greatest Pittsburgh Steelers of all time. The 13-year NFL veteran has repped black and yellow since getting drafted in 2011. When quarterback Russell Wilson was in discussion with the Steelers about signing with them this offseason, Heyward made sure to give him advice on what to expect.
Heyward was a guest on Thursday's episode of 'Up and Adams Show' hosted by Kay Adams and he spoke all things NFL. The Steelers defensive tackle revealed that he had a two-plus-hour conversation with Wilson prior to QB's signing.
"I was out at a conference in Arizona, and then I came back to my room and me and Russ just talked for about two hours. We talked ball. I know, he was having conversations with the Steelers."
Heyward continued, explaining that the biggest advice he gave Wilson was that Pittsburgh was not a city of flash and that it would be a daily grind.
"The main thing I told him was - 'this isn't the place for glitz and glamour. It's not LA, it's not Atlanta. This is the place where the Gladiators come, and we're going to compete every day.' Just hearing from him, he was receptive to that. He wanted to compete."
Heyward praised Russell Wilson for his detail-oriented approach and how it has impacted the younger players on the Steelers roster.
"He does the little things and it's really benefited a lot of our young guys, just picking up that knowledge at an early age. He’s going to unlock a lot of things, not just for him, but for the team."
Russell Wilson gets a chance at redemption with Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson was on track for a Hall of Fame career, until he put on the Denver Broncos jersey. The Seattle Seahawks traded the QB to the Broncos in 2022 for a haul of draft picks. The Broncos then handed Wilson a five-year, $240 million contract extension.
Wilson struggled massively in his first year in Denver. He threw for 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, with a passer rating of 84.4. The Broncos brought in Sean Payton as the head coach in an attempt to revive Wilson's old mojo.
In the 2023 NFL season, Russell Wilson threw for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions, with a passer rating of 98.0. He showed improvement, but it wasn't good enough for Sean Payton to see him as the Broncos' long-term option under center.
The team released Wilson this offseason. The nine-time Pro Bowler agreed on a one-year deal with the Steelers. This will be Wilson's chance to redeem his career, after a forgettable Broncos stint.
Russell Wilson is in line to be the starting quarterback as the Pittsburgh Steelers begin training camp on July 25.