Cameron Heyward is an intimidating, menacing force on the football field, but off the field, it's a completely different story.

And that is exactly why Heyward was selected as the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, one of the most prestigious awards in the entire league. The award was announced on Thursday night during the NFL Honors in Las Vegas and presented by Prince Harry the Duke of Sussex.

"I want to say thank you to God. I wouldn't be here today without him," Heyward began his acceptance speech, after overcoming the suprise of Prince Harry presenting the award. "Ever since I've been a Pittsburgh Steeler I've always thought God and my dad had a plan for me. And I'm living it right now.

"I want to say thank you to the Pittsburgh Steelers for giving me this opportunity. Mike T (Coach Mike Tomlin), it's an honor to be coached by you. I couldn't play for any other coach. To my teammates, I'm thankful to be your teammate. There's not a day goes by that I'm not touched. You push me, give me a chance to give back and you support me. I have to say thank you to the Steelers organization, Mr. (Art) Rooney II, Dan Rooney. I also have to give a big shout out to my community people. Blayre (Holmes), Angela (Tegnelia), Burt (Lauten), you guys do amazing job, Omar (Khan). You give me a chance to give back. You give me a chance to go out there and affect my community.

"This might be a little hard for me. When I talk about my family, I talk about my mom (Charlotte). When my dad passed away, there was only one person who stepped up for my family. And she stepped up for my foundation. I play football, and I got a chance to give back, but I can't do everything. So she picks up the slack for our foundation. There isn't anybody in Pittsburgh that doesn't know her name. It's all for the right reasons. My wife (Allie), you are my rock. You push me. You're there for me. You are the love of my life. I am thankful for that.

"A special thank you to the Walter Payton family. This is my sixth time (nominated), so I've gotten a chance to know them over the years. And this guy, he always said it right. We are blessed to be a blessing.

"When I talk about my dad (the late Craig 'Ironhead' Heyward), he wore No. 34. And he's been with me the entire time. He's been with me every step of the way. But I didn't know there was another No. 34 that was helping me. This man, Walter Payton. He's done so much on and off the field and he's changed so many lives and I have an opportunity to be part of such a great fraternity here for Walter Payton finalists and winners. I know I can carry this on and take the rock."

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