Craig Heyward was a professional American football player who played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for eleven seasons. He was born on September 26, 1966, in Passaic, New Jersey, and grew up in the Pittsburgh area. Heyward attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he played college football for the Panthers from 1984 to 1987.
Heyward was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft, and he played for the team for four seasons. He then played for the Chicago Bears for two seasons before joining the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons. Heyward played his final two seasons with the St. Louis Rams.
Throughout his career, Heyward was known for his powerful running style and his ability to break tackles. He was a versatile player who could also catch passes out of the backfield. Heyward was a fan favorite and was known for his outgoing personality and his love for the game.
Heyward's best season came in 1995 when he played for the Falcons. He rushed for 1,083 yards and scored ten touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl selection. Heyward also had a successful season in 1994 when he rushed for 1,083 yards and scored seven touchdowns while playing for the Bears.
Heyward's career was not without its challenges. He struggled with weight issues throughout his career and was often criticized for being overweight. Heyward was also diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1998, which forced him to retire from football.
After retiring from football, Heyward worked as a football analyst for ESPN and also worked as a coach at his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh. Heyward passed away on May 27, 2006, at the age of 39 due to complications from his brain tumor.
In conclusion, Craig Heyward was a talented and versatile running back who played in the NFL for eleven seasons. He was known for his powerful running style and his ability to break tackles. Heyward had his best season in 1995 when he rushed for over 1,000 yards and earned a Pro Bowl selection. Despite his challenges with weight and health issues, Heyward was a beloved player and a fan favorite.
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