The new 'Ironhead'

Cameron Heyward / Sage 2011 Football Card

Ohio State's Defensive Lineman, Cameron Heyward was the first pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers (31st overall pick) in the 2011 NFL draft. He was surrounded by professional football players since he was a kid, and now he has become one of them.

Heyward is the son of Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, former running back for the New Orleans Saints. Although he followed in his fathers footsteps and became a professional football player, he paved his own road to do so. But he is not defined by his father's accomplishments.

His achievements in high school and college are what makes him qualified to play for the Steelers. They are also some of the reasons why he was the team's first pick. While attending Peachtree Ridge High School, Heyward helped his team obtain the Georgia Class 5A State Championships. That same year, he was the 2006 Georgia Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year. He was not only hardworking on the field, but also in school. He left his high school with a 3.2 GPA. The next year, he began school at Ohio State. As a freshman, he helped the Buckeyes reach the BCS National Championships. As a junior at Ohio State, Heyward led his team to the Rose Bowl, where they won the 26 to 17 against Oregon. Heyward started in 46 out of 52 games throughout his college career. He recorded 168 tackles, 15 sacks, and six quarterback pressures. He even recovered two fumbles, one of which ended in a touchdown.

Heyward always wanted to become a professional football player just like his father; however, he wanted to do it the noble way. According to a CBSSports interview, he wants to do things his own way and doesn't want special attention. "I don't want to live in his shadow...," the younger Heyward said. "I appreciate everything he's done. But I want to do everything by my own. I'm not asking anybody to give me a second look or anything just because my dad was 'Ironhead'." He did not want extra chances and he did not need them. All of his hard work and dedication to the sport over the years allowed him to become the Pittsburgh Steelers' first draft pick.

Both the Steelers and Heyward believe that he would be a great addition to the team. In a conference call, Heyward was asked, "What kind of player is the Steelers getting?" He said he is, "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." Heyward is definitely physical and athletic enough to make an impact on the team. He may not start this season, but he will greatly improve the defensive line. His future is promising and he has so much time to develop. While Heyward does not play the same position as his father, he is looking to create his own legacy of the Heyward name. He has what it takes to become the new Ironhead Heyward

Like Father Like Son

Every year there is a draft for many sports to give people the chance to play in the pros. One of the biggest shockers in the 2011 NFL draft was the decision made by the New Orleans Saints to select Mark Ingram. In the past, the Saints were known to be late in upgrading their team. But now they have one of the best quarterbacks in the game Drew Brees, and a great urge to win. The Saints still have to improve their running game and defense. On the day of the draft, the Saints managed to upgrade both of these areas.
The Saints drafted defensive end Cameron Jordan, a talented player with an aggressive nature. The Saints pulled nearly a miracle on the next pick; they pieced together a deal to acquire the best running back in the draft, Mark Ingram.

In order for this deal to happen, the Saints gave up their second round choice in 2011 and a first round pick in 2012 in a trade to the New England Patriots. But, now they have the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner who has excellent field vision and can run hard between tackles. Ingram was drafted in the first round as the 28th overall just like his father was in 1987. In 2008, Mark Ingram Sr. was sentenced to seven years in prison for money fraud. Although Ingram Sr. was in prison he still supported his son by jumping bail and attending his son’s game in Alabama, which ended up in him getting two additional years in prison. It must have been tough to have your father behind bars and still try to focus on your career. Ingram let out all his pain and sorrow as tears of joy came down his face during the draft after being selected by the New Orleans Saints. A bright future awaits for this young talented athlete.