Bill Belichick Reveals How Steelers’ Cam Heyward Almost Joined the Patriots

Pittsburgh Steelers star Cam Heyward epitomizes this entire era of Steelers football. But that almost never happened because Hayward nearly joined the New England Patriots during the 2011 NFL Draft.

Steelers selected Hayward with the 31st overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, but the Patriots wanted Hayward, who was selected 33rd overall. Bill Belichick reported Wednesday that they tried to trade up to the Steelers to get Hayward, but that didn’t happen and Hayward landed with the Steelers instead.

“Hey Cam, I think back to 2011, man, we almost got you with the first pick in the second round and you got 31 and we couldn’t trade you and what a career you had,” Belichick said. “You’ve had an amazing career.”

!3 years later, Hayward looks like the player who will wear the gold jacket when his career is over. After missing out on 2023 with a groin injury, Hayward has returned to his elite level of play and is on pace to earn another All-Pro title.

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