Pittsburgh Steelers Star Cam Heyward exemplifies this entire era of Steelers football. But that almost never happened as Heyward almost joined the New England Patriots in the 2011 NFL Draft.

THE Steelers selected Heyward with the 31st pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, but the Patriots wanted Heyward, who had the 33rd overall pick. Bill Belichick revealed Wednesday that they attempted to trade up over the Steelers to land Heyward, but it never happened and, instead, Heyward landed with the Steelers.

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

!3 years later, Heyward looks like a player who will don a gold jacket once his career is over. After a loss in 2023 due to a groin injury, Heyward has bounced back to his elite level of play and is on track to receive another All-Pro nod.

• BET: Consult our guide to best PA sportsbookswhere our team of sports betting experts reviewed the experience, payout speed, betting options and odds quality of several sportsbooks.