Connor Heyward Bio
Connor Heyward (born January 22, 1999) is an American professional football fullback and tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans before entering the NFL in 2022. Heyward is the son of Pro Bowl NFL player Craig Heyward and the younger brother of All-Pro NFL player Cameron Heyward, giving him one of the most recognizable football pedigrees in the league.
Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing around 230 pounds, Heyward has carved out a role as a versatile fullback and reserve tight end. He joined the Steelers through the 2022 NFL draft and has continued to grow into a dependable contributor on offense and in the kicking game.
Early Life and Background
Connor Heyward was born on January 22, 1999, in Duluth, Georgia, United States. He grew up in the same Atlanta suburb that helped shape his love for football, surrounded by a family that already had deep ties to the sport. From a young age, he was exposed to the demands and discipline required to play the game at a high level.
Heyward attended Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia, where he played high school football and developed into a college prospect. His household was already filled with football tradition, with his father Craig Heyward having built a successful NFL career as a powerful fullback and his older brother Cameron Heyward rising toward stardom on the defensive line. That environment gave Connor a clear picture of what a professional football life looked like and helped push him toward his own path in the sport.
Path to American Football
Coming out of Peachtree Ridge High School, Heyward had the tools and the family background to attract attention from college programs. He committed to Michigan State, choosing to develop his game in the Big Ten Conference where the level of competition would prepare him for the next step.
He spent his formative college years learning the responsibilities of multiple offensive positions. That positional flexibility, combined with his football pedigree, made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for a player who could contribute in several roles.
Connor Heyward Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Heyward played college football at Michigan State from 2017 to 2021, beginning his college career as a running back. On November 25, 2017, he recorded his first collegiate touchdown against Rutgers, an early sign that he could contribute in the backfield.
As a sophomore in 2018, he rushed 118 times for 529 yards and five touchdowns and added 32 catches for 249 yards. After losing his starting position after the first game of the 2019 season, he briefly left the program, entered the NCAA transfer portal, and later returned, redshirting that year. Heyward led the Spartans with 65 carries in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, finishing with 200 rushing yards and two touchdowns plus 18 receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns. Before the 2021 season, he moved from running back to H-back and caught 35 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns in his final college season.
NFL Breakthrough with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2022–2024)
Heyward was selected in the sixth round with the 208th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. On December 4, 2022, he scored his first professional touchdown during Week 13 at the Atlanta Falcons, a 17-yard catch in which he got both feet inbounds at the back of the end zone. In his rookie season, he appeared in 17 games and finished with 12 receptions for 151 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Heyward finished the 2023 season with 23 receptions for 167 yards and made his first playoff appearance that year in a 31–17 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card round. He appeared in 17 games and started five during the 2024 season, scoring one touchdown in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys. He also recorded a second postseason appearance in a 28–14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, continuing to build his resume as a dependable two-way contributor.
Starting Fullback Era (2025–Present)
In the 2025 season, Heyward made the Steelers roster as their starting fullback and as a reserve tight end backing up Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington. The role represented a clear step forward after three seasons of gradually expanding duties.
Heyward scored a receiving touchdown on a 12-yard reception during Week 6’s win over the Cleveland Browns, showing his value as a short-area target near the goal line. His continued presence on offense and special teams has made him a steady piece of the Steelers’ weekly plans.
Driving Style and Strengths
Heyward brings the physicality expected of a traditional fullback, including reliable lead blocking in the run game and the hands to contribute as a receiver. His experience as a college running back gives him the footwork and vision to thrive in space, while his H-back background allows him to line up flexed or in the backfield. That versatility has made him a trusted chess piece for the Steelers’ coaching staff.
Notable Events and Milestones
His first NFL touchdown in Atlanta in 2022, his first postseason appearance in 2023, and his promotion to starting fullback in 2025 each marked clear steps in his development. The Week 6 touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in 2025 added another milestone in his growing list of scoring plays.
Connor Heyward Career Wins
While fullback and tight end statistics focus less on win totals, Connor Heyward’s career has been marked by regular-season victories, playoff appearances, and reliable production in short-yardage and red-zone situations. His steady presence has helped the Steelers remain competitive in the AFC North.
NFL Highlights
Heyward has played in 17 games as a rookie, 17 games in 2023, and 17 games with five starts in 2024, while contributing on offense, special teams, and in the kicking game. His first NFL touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons and his first playoff appearance against the Buffalo Bills stand out as early career benchmarks.
Other Performances
At Michigan State, Heyward was a multi-year contributor at running back and H-back, finishing his college career with more than 1,000 rushing yards and multiple receiving seasons. He was part of several winning Spartan teams during his time in East Lansing.
Connor Heyward Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Connor Heyward comes from one of football’s most recognized families. His father, Craig Heyward, was a powerful fullback who earned Pro Bowl honors during his NFL career. His older brother, Cameron Heyward, is an All-Pro defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the same team Connor now plays for.
Another older brother, Corey Heyward, played college basketball for Georgia Tech. The combination of football and basketball talent across the family reflects a strong athletic background that shaped Connor’s approach to the sport.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Duluth, Georgia, Connor Heyward remains closely tied to his family. Sharing a locker room with his brother Cameron at the Steelers has turned a professional dream into a daily reality for the Heyward family.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has represented Connor Heyward’s most defined role yet with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After making the roster as the team’s starting fullback and a reserve tight end, he has contributed as a blocker, receiver, and special teamer. His Week 6 touchdown against the Cleveland Browns highlighted his continued growth in the passing game.
As a backup to established tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington, Heyward has provided steady depth while handling fullback duties on early downs and short-yardage situations. The Steelers have leaned on his versatility in key moments throughout the season.
Looking ahead, Heyward’s blend of blocking, receiving, and special teams value positions him as a long-term fit in Pittsburgh. With another postseason run possible, his role in the Steelers’ offensive and team game plans is expected to remain a steady piece of the team’s identity.