Cam Heyward: NFL Hall of Fame Game doubtful, thrilled about his dad's Pitt honors

Defensive end Cameron Heyward is the Pittsburgh Steelers NFLPA union rep now that Ramon Foster has retired.

And, given the coronavirus uncertainty, he seems dubious of the chances that the NFL can pull off the Hall of Fame Game between the Steelers and Cowboys.

“It’s just my point of view,” Heyward said. “But I think the Hall of Fame Game is probably out. We talk so much about safety. Why would we want to expose two teams to an extra game a week early? Plus, I think there is a rule that says you need 47 days of activity before you get to the first game.”

Heyward made those comments during a Zoom call with the Pittsburgh media on Thursday. The Hall of Fame Game is the annual NFL preseason opener. It is scheduled for Aug. 6 in Canton, Ohio. So that’s 49 days away.

“We’ll see. I’d say I’m pretty pessimistic.”

Based on that quote, me, too.

Not to mention that this week Ohio Governor Mike DeWine poured water on the idea that fans could attend the game.

However, Heyward was more optimistic about two other Hall of Fame discussions.

His father — Craig “Ironhead” Heyward — was posthumously elected for induction into the Pitt Hall of Fame last month.

Ironhead is on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame, too.

“I never got to see him play in college,” Heyward said. “But to see the lasting imprint that he has had, and to be mentioned with so many greats that deserved to be here. It is amazing.”

Among those from the Panthers football alumni base being enshrined in Oakland with Heyward? Curtis Martin, Bob Peck, Jackie Sherrill and Glenn “Pop” Warner.

“I never thought my dad would be next to Pop Warner,” Heyward added. “What a year it would be to honor my dad.”

The Pitt event takes place Saturday, Oct. 17. Heyward and company host the Browns the next day.