Former Ohio State football star Cam Heyward honored for off-field work with Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro defensive lineman Cam Heyward continues to receive honors for his performance on the field and service off of it.

Heyward, who played for Ohio State from 2007-2011 was honored Tuesday with The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) "Good Guy' Award, which is presented annually to an NFL player for his qualities and professional style in helping pro football writers do their jobs.

"I try to make sure I am honest, and I communicate well with you guys," Heyward said. "I just try to be honest and have fun doing it. I have a blast doing it. You guys make it easy on me."

Heyward was also honored on Sunday as the commencement speaker for Carlow University in Pittsburgh, where he received an honorary doctorate for his tireless work in the Pittsburgh community.

Why the Carlow University honor was special for Cameron Heyward

Heyward was on stage with his grandmother, Judith Jordan. Jordan graduated from Carlow in 1965.

"I am very humbled," said Heyward. "My grandmother was ecstatic for me to be speaking at her alma mater. She had to work while she was at school. That was the only way she was able to graduate. They were able to give her a scholarship while she was teaching at the same time. We have been very fortunate that Carlow helped pave the way for my family."

Heyward is a four-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for the Steelers and has a foundation, The Heyward House, which helps underserved youth in the community.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Former Ohio State football star Cam Heyward gets NFL Good Guy Award