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Craig William Heyward (September 26, 1966 – May 27, 2006), nicknamed " Ironhead ", was an American professional football player who was a fullback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers.
Jul 3, 2020 · Craig ‘Ironhead’ Heyward died on May 27, 2006, after a seven-year battle with a recurring brain tumor, according to ESPN. He was just 39 years old. Heyward had also suffered a stroke two years before his death that left him partially paralyzed. Doctors were unable to completely remove the aggressive tumor during two operations.
- Growing Up and The Birth of A Nickname
- Ironhead Busts Loose at Pitt
- 1987
- Drafted by The Saints
- Ironhead Contributes to The Saints
- 1990-1992
- Briefly A Bear, Then onto Atlanta
- Two More Stops, Then Retirement
- Heyward’s Cancer Returns, Death at A Young Age
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Craig William Heyward was born on September 26, 1966 in Passaic, New Jersey. Heyward was a big kid even as an adolescent. By the time he was 10, Heyward weighed upwards of 200 pounds. It was around this time that he acquired a nickname that would stick with him for the remainder of his life. However, there are two different stories of how Heyward c...
Heyward couldn’t have picked a better program to play running back. The Panthers have had a long line of good backs in their history and many have gone to the NFL. Among the notable Pitt NFL running back alums are: Marshall Goldberg, Tony Dorsett, Curtis Martin, and LeSean McCoy. Heyward was added to the list of illustrious alums during his time wi...
During the ‘87 season, Heyward showed the country why he was one of the best backs in college football. In a game against BYU in the first week of the season, Ironhead pounded the rock for 133 yards, two catches for 66 yards and a 17-yard touchdown pass for good measure. Panthers fans were giddy during one moment of the game when Heyward caught a s...
In terms of preparing for the draft, Heyward really had to get ready. As his college career came to a close, Heyward had let himself go and he weighed over 300 pounds. NFL scouts weren’t fooled. They could see that Ironhead tipped the scales on the much-to-heavy side despite his running skills. Because of his weight, league insiders penciled in Hey...
The Saints were founded as an organization in 1967. Unfortunately for their fans, it would take exactly 20 years before New Orleans would advance to the postseason. Coach Jim Mora was hired by the franchise in 1986 and turned it around quickly. In 1987, his second year with the club, the Saints finished 12-3 and lost in the Wild Card Round to Minne...
During the next three years, the Saints made the playoffs, but lost in the Wild Card round each year. Meanwhile, Heyward toted the rock more, combining for over 600 total yards and four touchdowns in 1990. His teeth rattling blocks and runs were becoming legendary. During a game against the mighty Brian Bosworth and Seattle, Ironhead left Bosworth ...
Heyward was not unemployed for long. The Chicago Bears made him an offerand he signed a three-year deal for $3 million. An additional $200,000 a year was contingent on Ironhead staying at an agreed-upon weight. However, during the 1993 season, Heyward continued to struggle with his drinking and eating. At one point, head coach Dave Wannstedt fined ...
The St. Louis Rams signed Heyward in 1997 and he responded with 84 yards rushing and one touchdown. He gathered in eight receptions for 77 more yards. Even though the Rams were not good at the time, Ironhead still had fun at his own expense. During the season, he appeared in a number of television commercials for Zest body wash. The ads showcased a...
In 2005, the cancer doctors hoped would stay away returned with a vengeance. This time, the cancer moved from his skull into his brain. Unfortunately, radiation and surgery would not help him this time. That same year, Heyward suffered a stroke which left him in a wheelchair and partially blind. On May 27, 2006, Heyward passed away. He was only 39 ...
Learn about the life and career of Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, a former NFL running back who played for five teams and was known for his durability and power. Find out how he got his nickname, his college and pro stats, and his legacy in the game.
May 29, 2006 · Craig Heyward, the powerful fullback known as Ironhead, who played 11 seasons in the National Football League despite battling binges of food and drink, died Saturday. He was 39.
Checkout the latest stats for Craig Heyward. Get info about his position, age, height, weight, college, draft, and more on Pro-football-reference.com.
- September 26, 1966
A bruising ball carrier for the Panthers from 1984-87, Heyward ranks among the greatest—and most colorful—players in Pitt football history. Although he played only three active college seasons, Heyward is still Pitt's fifth all-time leading rusher with 3,086 yards.
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May 31, 2006 · ATLANTA -- Former NFL fullback Craig "Ironhead" Heyward died Saturday after a 7½-year fight with a recurring brain tumor, his son's high school football coach said. He was 39.
