The Las Vegas Raiders recently signed fullback Connor Heyward. Let’s get to know him better:
Family ties:
Heyward has football in his blood. His father was the late Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, who was a standout NFL fullback for more than a decade. His older brother star defensive tackle Cam Heyward, who was his teammate in Pittsburgh for the past four seasons.
Key Kubiak addition:
The Raiders chose Heyward to be the first fullback in new coach Klint Kubiak’s system. While Heyward has no ties to Kubiak,
clearly the coach believes the 6-foot, 230-pound Heyward is a fit for what he wants to accomplish at the position.
Not just a fullback:
Heyward, though, is versatile and Kubiak can utilize him in other ways. He played some tight end as well for the Steelers. He can also play quarterback in the Wildcat formation and on “tush push” plays. He has 44 career catches and 18 career rush attempts.
Reunited with college teammate:
Heyward and fellow Raiders’ free-agent signing, wide receiver Jalen Nailor, were teammates at Michigan State together. They were both taken in the sixth round of the 2022 draft. Now, they are donning the Silver and Black together.
Probably not easy to leave Pittsburgh:
Heyward was entrenched in Pittsburgh. He father was a legend at Pitt and his brother has been a Steelers’ cog for more than a decade. Now, Heyward, is about to make his own journey in Las Vegas.
