Pittsburgh's Cameron Heyward Named Week 9 NFLPA Community MVP
For Immediate Release
November 8, 2019
Pittsburgh's Cameron Heyward Named Week 9 NFLPA Community MVP
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cameron Heyward has been named Week 9 NFLPA Community MVP for raising $200,000 at The Heyward House Homecoming to benefit the various outreach programs carried out by his Heyward House Foundation throughout the year.
“It’s a true honor to receive NFLPA Community MVP,” Heyward said. “My motivation is to give back and help the community succeed. Everyone has a part in helping our youth and I look forward to doing my part.”
On November 4, the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman hosted his fifth annual fundraiser gala for the Heyward House, but with a twist. The Carnegie Science Center was transformed into a college homecoming with a marching band, cornhole, upscale tailgate food and plenty of school spirit as attendees were encouraged to wear attire representing their alma mater.
All the money raised during the unique event will go towards continuing the mission of The Heyward House, which was founded in 2015 to positively impact youth and help those in need. Some of the ways that the charity changes lives for the better are:
- Cameron Heyward Birthday Bash: An annual party filled with fun and games for less fortunate kids who are often forgotten on their birthdays;
- Blessings In A Backpack: A partnership with Urban Pathways Charter School in Pittsburgh that provides backpacks filled with healthy food and snacks for students in need to have each weekend during the school year;
- “Pittsburgh Is Stronger Than Cancer” T-shirt fundraiser: In honor of his late father and former NFL player, Craig, who died of brain cancer, Heyward’s T-shirts raise money to generate awareness, help with research and aid families dealing with hardships often created by treatment; and,
- Craig’s Closet: A program that provides suits, shirts, ties and other necessities for young men in the Pittsburgh area who don’t have the means to attain formal attire for key occasions.
The eight-year veteran and Steelers alternate player rep has engaged in numerous other selfless acts throughout his NFL career, including a Thanksgiving turkey drive through the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank with his teammates and local police officers as well as his work with the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh to help children with severe asthma, something he battles with himself.
In honor of Heyward being named this week’s Community MVP, the NFLPA will make a $10,000 contribution to a foundation or charity of his choice. Also, our supporting partner Pledge It has set up a crowdfunding campaign called for “Sacks For Kids” to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. Supporters can either pledge contributions based on every sack by Heyward this season, or they can make a flat donation at the following website:
Heyward, along with the other 2019 Community MVPs, will become eligible for this year’s Alan Page Community Award, which is the highest honor that the NFLPA can bestow upon a player.
The NFLPA Community MVP program recognizes NFL players who are making a positive impact in their local communities. Each week during the regular season, the NFLPA will celebrate one NFL player who has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to his community. Please visit our website to read more about the program.
2019 NFLPA Community MVP winners:
Week 0: Derrick Nnadi, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 1: Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
Week 2: Rashaad Coward, Chicago Bears
Week 3: Lonnie Johnson, Houston Texans
Week 4: Calais Campbell, Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 5: Brandon Carr, Baltimore Ravens
Week 6: Deatrich Wise Jr.., New England Patriots
Week 7: Dustin Colquitt, Kansas City Chiefs
Week 8: Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints
###
About the NFL Players Association:
The National Football League Players Association is the union for professional football players in the National Football League. Established in 1956, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of players’ interests. The NFLPA has shown that it will do whatever is necessary to assure that the rights of players are protected—including ceasing to be a union, if necessary, as it did in 1989. In 1993, the NFLPA again was officially recognized as the union representing the players, and negotiated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement with the NFL. The current CBA will govern the sport through 2020. Learn more at www.nflpa.com.