A versatile fullback and gadget weapon who carved out a niche role after four seasons with the Steelers.
Connor Heyward, younger brother of longtime Steelers star Cameron Heyward, built his own NFL career as a jack-of-all-trades fullback and special teamer in Pittsburgh. A converted running back and tight end, he earned Pro Bowl recognition for his versatility in 2025 before moving on in free agency.
Path to the league
Heyward played five seasons at Michigan State, moving between running back, fullback and tight end before settling in as a converted tight end in his final year, when he caught 35 passes for 326 yards. Over his college career he totaled 825 rushing yards and 711 receiving yards. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Heyward carved out a versatile role in Pittsburgh as a fullback, tight end and short-yardage ball-carrier, playing over 60 percent of special teams snaps in three of his four seasons. Across his Steelers career he totaled 44 receptions for 379 yards, 18 carries for 70 yards, and five total touchdowns.
2025 season recap
Heyward appeared in all 17 games for Pittsburgh in 2025, catching three of four targets for 21 yards and a touchdown while adding 15 carries for 43 yards and two rushing scores, primarily on short-yardage and gadget plays. He was named an alternate for the 2026 Pro Bowl Games before signing with a new team in free agency.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Connor Heyward
- Pro Football Reference: Connor Heyward
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Rushing
17 games played▶Rushing · career
| Year | Team | GP | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | steelers | 17 | 15 | 43 | 2.9 | 2 | 29 |
| 2024 | steelers | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | steelers | 17 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | steelers | 17 | 2 | 27 | 13.5 | 0 | 21 |
▶Receiving · career
| Year | Team | GP | REC | YDS | AVG | TD | LNG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | steelers | 17 | 3 | 21 | 7.0 | 1 | 12 |
| 2024 | steelers | 17 | 6 | 40 | 6.7 | 1 | 16 |
| 2023 | steelers | 17 | 23 | 167 | 7.3 | 0 | 13 |
| 2022 | steelers | 17 | 12 | 151 | 12.6 | 1 | 45 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Fullback
- Group
- offense
- College
- Michigan State
- Hometown
- Duluth, GA, USA
- Age
- 27
- Status
- active
