Below is the transcript and audio of defensive end Cameron Heyward after being drafted in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Steelers with the 31st overall pick.
Cameron Heyward Conference Call
[audio:https://steelersdepot.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/cam-heyward-conference-call.mp3|titles=Cameron Heyward Conference Call]Question: How are you?
Answer: Awesome. Unbelievable feeling.
Question: How much of that is associated with you coming to Pittsburgh as opposed to coming to the NFL as a first rounder?
Answer: One of my goals has always been to be a first rounder. I have always worked hard to be a first rounder and to be picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers it is a an unbelievable opportunity and I am really going to cherish it and I am going to work hard to show people that I deserve that spot.
Question: Did you have a feeling of how much the Steelers liked you?
Answer: We have had previous meetings and I thought they went great. Coach Tomlin drove out to my pro day and Coach LeBeau came out as well. I’ve always loved the team. I am from there. My grandparents are from there. My mom is from there. The gut feeling is that I want to be in Pittsburgh and to be somewhere that you want to be is an unbelievable feeling.
Question: Even though you knew it was a possibility, how excited were you especially with coming back to Pittsburgh where your dad is from?
Answer: Not having my father around through this process, it has been tough. But I know he is watching and I am going to strive everyday to make him proud of me and to live his legacy on.
Question: How often do you make it back to Pittsburgh?
Answer: I make it back every year. I have family that lives right in Highland Park and I make it back at least two times a year. I know Pittsburgh pretty well. Going back to my old stomping grounds in going to be fun.
Question: Were you born here?
Answer: Yes, sir. I was born right in the heart of Pittsburgh and I lived out in Monroeville.
Question: Is your mom from Monroeville or is that just where you lived?
Answer: My mom is actually from Highland Park.
Question: What hospital were you born in?
Answer: I’m not exactly sure, off of the top of my head. I would have to ask my mom on that one. But I definitely was born in the city.
Question: How much family do you still have here?
Answer: I have my grandparents, my aunt and her husband. Her husband played for the Pitt Panthers a couple of years ago and I have a bunch of family still there and a chance to see them again will be totally fun.
Question: System you played in at Ohio State:
Answer: I think we try to adapt our defense to a Steeler brand type of ball because Coach LeBeau is a well renowned player at Ohio State. We try to adapt well and playing their type of ball, getting after the quarterback, making a lot of plays in the back field, being an attacking defense. That is the type of defense I am accustomed to.
Question: Do you expect yourself to be a complete player?
Answer: I am going with the mindset that I want to be a complete player. I don’t want to be the guy that only comes out on certain downs. I feel as though if I work at my craft and continue to improve everyday then I can reach that goal.
Question: Who was your uncle that played for Pitt?
Answer: Nate Heyward.
Question: Do you have all your gold pants?
Answer: Yes sir.
Question: How does it feel to come to a team and town that is defense first?
Answer: I love it. The defense, to be a part of this type of defense is one of a kind. You can’t emulate it in a lot of places. The town, they support their team. I’ve always had a Terrible Towel. I look forward to being a part of Steeler Nation.
Question: What did you do tonight?
Answer: I was in Atlanta and I just celebrated with my family and friends. The chance to get to celebrate this moment was awesome. I just appreciate everyone that came over and was there for me.
Question: Did you graduate early?
Answer: I graduate in June. This is my last quarter now. We are on the quarter system.
Question: What’s your degree in?
Answer: Education.
Question: What kind of player are the Steelers getting?
Answer: A team-first kind of player, very accountable and a guy that is constantly going to work hard and contribute as much as he can for his team.
Question: How is the elbow?
Answer: Great. If minicamp started tomorrow I would be there.
Question: What affect has the lockout had on you if at all?
Answer: Just the fact that it’s unknown, you never knew when it was going to end. That’s the only thing I could think about, when is football going to happen? The fact that it’s over is a relief and we can get back to football.
