Mobile, Ala. — Connor Heyward isn't trying to be the first of Craig "Ironhead" Heyward's sons to make it to the NFL. That distinction belongs to Cameron, the perennial Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But the youngest of four brothers is certainly the closest to directly following in his father's footsteps.
As a "skinny" high schooler, Connor played wide receiver, quarterback, safety and even punted a little. Recruited to Michigan State as an athlete, he continued to move around, seeing time as wide receiver, running back, and eventually tight end.
But as Connor auditions for future employers at the Senior Bowl this week, there he is, down after down, lining up as the lead back in the I-formation, like Dad did for 11 NFL seasons.