Connor Heyward

Connor Heyward Bio

Connor Heyward (born January 22, 1999) is an American professional football fullback and tight end who currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 208th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he spent his first four professional seasons before signing with the Raiders in March 2026. Heyward played college football for the Michigan State Spartans from 2017 to 2021. He comes from a distinguished football family as the son of former Pro Bowl NFL player Craig Heyward and the younger brother of All-Pro defensive end Cameron Heyward, with whom he was teammates during his tenure in Pittsburgh.

Early Life and Background

Connor Heyward was born on January 22, 1999, in Duluth, Georgia. He grew up in the Atlanta suburbs and attended Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia. Coming from an athletic family, Heyward was exposed to football at a young age through his father, Craig Heyward, who enjoyed a successful NFL career as a running back and earned Pro Bowl honors. His older brother, Cameron Heyward, would go on to become an All-Pro defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers, further cementing the family’s prominence in professional football.

Path to Professional Football

At Peachtree Ridge High School, Heyward developed as a multi-position player, gaining attention for his versatility and athleticism. His performance on the high school level earned him the opportunity to continue his football career at the collegiate rank. Heyward ultimately chose to attend Michigan State University, where he would begin his college career in 2017. The transition from high school to Division I football presented new challenges, but Heyward’s work ethic and family background in the sport helped him adjust to the increased competition level.

Connor Heyward Career

College Career at Michigan State (2017–2021)

Heyward arrived at Michigan State University in 2017 and immediately began his collegiate career as a running back. He made an immediate impact, recording his first collegiate touchdown on November 25, 2017, against Rutgers. During his sophomore season in 2018, Heyward demonstrated his dual-threat ability by rushing 118 times for 529 yards and five touchdowns while also catching 32 passes for 249 yards. His 529 rushing yards that season remain a highlight of his offensive production at the college level.

After losing his starting running back position after the first game of the 2019 season to Elijah Collins, Heyward entered the NCAA transfer portal. He eventually returned to the Spartans program and redshirted the remainder of that year. Heyward bounced back in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, leading the team with 65 carries and accumulating 200 rushing yards with two touchdowns, along with 18 receptions for 71 yards and two additional touchdowns. Prior to his final season in 2021, Heyward transitioned from running back to the H-back position, a role that better suited his versatile skill set. In his senior season, he caught 35 passes for 326 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to contribute as a receiving weapon.

Pittsburgh Steelers (2022–2025)

Heyward was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 208th overall pick. The selection reunited him with his older brother Cameron, who had been a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defensive line since 2011. Heyward made his professional debut during his rookie season and appeared in 17 games. He scored his first professional touchdown on December 4, 2022, during Week 13 against the Atlanta Falcons, hauling in a 17-yard reception and getting both feet inbounds at the back of the end zone. He finished his rookie year with 12 receptions for 151 receiving yards and one touchdown.

In the 2023 season, Heyward continued to serve as a reliable contributor in the Steelers’ offense, recording 23 receptions for 167 yards. That postseason, he made his first playoff appearance in a 31–17 AFC Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills. The following season in 2024, Heyward appeared in 17 games with five starts. He scored his only touchdown of the season in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys. He also appeared in his second playoff game, a 28–14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

During the 2025 season, Heyward carved out an expanded role as a hybrid fullback and tight end for the Steelers. He also began taking snaps as a wildcat quarterback on designed run plays, including multiple tush-push sequences. His versatility proved valuable to the offense throughout the season. Heyward finished the 2025 season with 15 carries for 43 yards and two rushing touchdowns, plus 3 receptions for 21 yards and one receiving touchdown. Across his four seasons with the Steelers, he recorded 44 career receptions for 379 receiving yards and 70 rushing yards, totaling five touchdowns.

Driving Style and Strengths

While not a driver in the traditional sense, Heyward’s football strengths lie in his versatility and physicality. His experience as both a running back and H-back at Michigan State developed his ability to run routes, catch passes, and block effectively. His compact frame and lower-body strength make him a reliable lead blocker in short-yardage situations. His expanded role as a wildcat quarterback in 2025 showcased his willingness to carry the ball and ability to execute specialized offensive packages.

Notable Events and Milestones

Heyward’s most significant career milestone came during his rookie season when he scored his first professional touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in December 2022. The moment marked his transition from college to professional football. His playoff appearances in consecutive seasons against quality opponents like the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens demonstrated his ability to perform in high-stakes situations. The 2025 season expansion of his role to include wildcat quarterback duties represented a unique evolution in his career trajectory.

Connor Heyward Career Statistics

Across four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2022 to 2025, Heyward established himself as a reliable depth player and special teams contributor at the fullback and tight end positions.

NFL Career Highlights

Heyward’s most productive statistical season came in 2023, when he recorded 23 receptions for 167 yards. His rookie season saw him score his first professional touchdown, while the 2025 season showcased his expanded role with two rushing touchdowns and his first receiving touchdown as a tight end. His career totals include 44 receptions for 379 receiving yards, 70 rushing yards, and five total touchdowns across 68 games played with 5 starts. His two playoff appearances came during the 2023 and 2024 postseasons.

Other Performances

Heyward’s college career at Michigan State produced solid numbers, including a standout sophomore season in 2018 with 529 rushing yards and five touchdowns. His transition to H-back in 2021 resulted in his most productive receiving season at the college level with 326 receiving yards.

Connor Heyward Family

Family Background and Football Lineage

Connor Heyward comes from one of football’s most notable families. His father, Craig Heyward, was a highly successful NFL running back who earned Pro Bowl honors during his professional career. The Heyward family’s football legacy continued with Connor and his older brother Cameron, who became an All-Pro defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cameron Heyward has been a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense since being drafted in 2011 and has become one of the most recognizable players at his position. Another brother, Corey Heyward, pursued college basketball at Georgia Tech, representing the family’s athletic versatility across different sports.

Personal Life

Growing up in Duluth, Georgia, Connor shared a home with his brothers Cameron and Corey. The Heyward brothers maintained a close relationship throughout their professional careers, with Connor and Cameron becoming teammates when Connor joined the Steelers in 2022. Connor maintains a public presence on social media, where he shares glimpses of his professional and personal life with fans.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 NFL season marked a significant transition for Heyward with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He entered training camp with an expanded role as a hybrid fullback and tight end, reflecting the coaching staff’s appreciation for his versatility. The Steelers utilized him in multiple offensive packages throughout the season, taking advantage of his ability to line up at different positions. His willingness to play wildcat quarterback on designed runs added another dimension to the offense that opponents had to prepare for during the week.

Heyward’s most memorable moment of the season came in Week 6 when he scored a receiving touchdown on a 12-yard reception during a win over the Cleveland Browns. He also contributed on the ground with two rushing touchdowns, both coming on short-yardage situations. His 15 carries for 43 yards represented significant increase in his rushing attempts compared to previous seasons. The Steelers’ offense provided him opportunities in goal-line and short-yardage situations where his physicality and ball-carrying ability proved valuable.

Throughout the season, Heyward’s ability to contribute in multiple roles made him a valuable piece of the Steelers’ roster. His chemistry with the coaching staff and willingness to embrace unconventional roles like wildcat quarterback demonstrated his team-first mentality. As he evaluated his future with the organization, his versatility gave him options both in Pittsburgh and around the league. His performance during the 2025 season ultimately led to his departure from Pittsburgh, as he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2026 on a two-year contract worth $5.5 million with $2 million guaranteed, reflecting the value teams placed on his multi-position ability.