Cam Heyward couldn’t hold back his emotions in a sudden moment of remembrance for his late dad, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward. Ironhead doesn’t need any introduction, right? A powerful fullback once, duped as the best blocking back in the league. Craig earned the nickname Ironhead for his tough and physical nature. However, Ironhead was sadly taken away from us way too young at 39, after losing his battle to cancer in 2006. So, you can imagine the pain Cam Heyward is going through right now as he finds himself mixed with pride for his dad’s legacy and sadness at missing him.

On Saturday morning, Heyward tweeted a heart-warming photo of him riding on his dad’s back, and below, it had both of them in NFL uniforms. As Heyward got a bit emotional on his reflective journey, “Getting sentimental about pops….. One day, I’m going to OUR story,” Heyward wrote on X. You know, Heyward seems like a tough guy, judging by his dominating presence on the gridiron. Standing at 6 ft 5 in, 295 pounds, anyone who comes within Heyward’s purview faces his wrath.

But whenever it comes to his dad, Heyward’s emotional side comes out. In honor of his father, who lost his battle to brain cancer, Heyward even initiated a collaboration with the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation. He once helped them raise over $40,000 in scholarships to help brain tumor patients. Besides this, Heyward also started Craig’s Closet to continue remembering his father’s impact on his life. This Craig Closet is a special facility catering to those young men looking for professional attire for job interviews.

To this date, Craig’s Closet has over 16 locations spread throughout Pittsburgh, having served over 700 young men. So, Heyward has ensured his father’s legacy wasn’t just limited to the gridiron. In his 11 years as a fullback, Craig spent time with the Saints, Bears, Falcons, Rams, and the Colts. He even earned his only Pro Bowl in 1995 when he ran for 1,083 yards. Heyward’s dad wasn’t just your regular back. Craig was a punishing runner who stiff-armed defenders while having insane blocking and receiving capabilities. He was a complete package back in his day.

You can actually dig deep into Craig Heyward’s story by reading a comic book illustration of his. That’s right. Cam Heyward’s dad also has a book dedicated to his ‘Ironhead’ story.

Cam Heyward cherishes the ‘awesome’ tribute to his dad

Popflypopshop, known for making comic book illustrations for sporting legends, gave a fitting tribute to Cam Heyward’s dad. Going back to March 2024, Popfly released an issue dedicated to Craig Ironhead Heyward. It is a book carved out, remembering his legacy of remarkable power and resilience that drove him to the field every day. This issue titled Ironhead touches upon Heyward’s journey. From a football career that began at Passaic High School, Pittsburgh, to getting picked in the first-round of the 1988 NFL draft.

Craig’s monstrous running style was an instant nightmare for opposition defenses. They just didn’t wanna be played around whenever Ironhead had the ball in his hand. Amassing over 4,000 rushing yards and 30 TDs—Ironhead’s physicality spoke for itself. However, off the gridiron, Heyward’s life was cut short because of a brain tumor that took him away forever. But as the post read, “Craig’s legacy lives on, not only in the record books but in the memories of those who witnessed his indomitable spirit and the sheer joy he brought to the game of football.” Cam couldn’t help but share the post on his story almost a year later, writing, “This is Awesome.”

Cam Heyward’s dad was probably taken away early from us, his son, and his family. But his contributions will forever remain in the hearts and minds of those who knew Ironhead.