Ironhead Heyward Succumbs to Brain Tumor

Learn To Swim · 05-27-2006, 09:17 PM

Sad News. Only 39 years old.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESPN

'Ironhead' Heyward loses battle with cancer
By Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com

ATLANTA -- Former NFL fullback Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, who played 11 seasons in the league with five different franchises, died here Saturday after a seven-year battle with a recurring brain tumor.

Heyward, who retired from the league following the 1998 season, was 39.

Given the severity and aggressiveness of Heyward's tumor, known as a chordoma, and the inability of surgeons to completely remove it during two operations, his death was not unexpected. Heyward also suffered a stroke a few years ago that left him partially paralyzed.

But friends who had visited recently with Heyward, including one-time NFL quarterback Bobby Hebert, a former teammate in both New Orleans and Atlanta, certainly did not expect his death to come so quickly.

Hebert told ESPN.com two weeks ago that he was apprised that the tumor had wrapped itself around Heyward's brain, that further surgical attempts were not planned, and that the once-mighty fullback would likely survive another three to five years.

"The one thing he's still got and that hasn't changed a bit," Hebert said at the time, "is that devilish sense of humor of his. Hopefully, that will keep him going for a while."

In a statement released by the University of Pittsburgh, coach Dave Wannstedt, who helped direct Heyward to the school and also coached him with the Chicago Bears, said: "I will always remember him as a tremendous player who had an irrepressible attitude on and off the field. We spoke just a few weeks ago and I was struck by the typical upbeat 'Ironhead' attitude he displayed despite his health. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Pitt family are with Craig's loved ones during this time of sorrow."

Heyward departed Pitt as an underclassman to enter the NFL draft and was the first-round selection of the New Orleans Saints in 1988. He played from 1988-92 for the Saints and then had stints with Chicago (1993), Atlanta (1994-96), St. Louis (1997) and Indianapolis (1998).

In 149 games, Heyward registered 1,031 carries for 4,301 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also posted 177 receptions for 1,559 yards and four touchdowns. His finest season came with the Falcons in 1995, when he rushed for 1,083 yards and six touchdowns and earned his lone Pro Bowl berth.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

McCluneNYJ · 05-27-2006, 09:37 PM

Sad indeed. I remember him breaking heads at Pitt.

Thats the way you play fullback.

jetophile · 05-27-2006, 10:54 PM

That's a crying shame. I hate hearing stuff like that.

Wolfe Tone · 05-27-2006, 11:06 PM

Thats to bad, I was just thinking about him the other day, he was one of my all time favourites, loved watching him run over people, he was also on my list of players for the all time draft

BIG COUNTRY · 05-27-2006, 11:15 PM

RIP man,

Never saw him play but 39 is way too short of a life

SigmaXJet · 05-27-2006, 11:51 PM

I definately enjoyed watching this guy play, a true warrior

Royal Tee · 05-28-2006, 03:04 PM

R.I.P.

Thank you for allowing us to Enjoy your years.

For those who didn't get to see him...His nickname was WELL deserved....

hiker · 05-28-2006, 03:41 PM

Its always so sad when someone dies well before their time. I can't imagine how tough this is on those around the guy. Every day when you get out of bed and go through your day, be so very grateful for what you have, and be happy to just be alive.

RIP

Cakes · 05-28-2006, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG COUNTRY

Never saw him play

You sure are young.

Well, here's more info on him-

born- Passaic, NJ
high school- Passaic

He only fumbled the ball 16 times on 1,216 touches.

MillerTime#22 · 05-28-2006, 06:19 PM

Sad, very sad. Best nickname in NFL IMO. Great fullback that took on anyone. RIP Ironhead.

wexy · 05-29-2006, 03:48 AM

That's really sad news. Rest in Peace.

Coach K · 05-30-2006, 08:28 AM

He was a beast, few players manage to do what he did on the field these days, playing the game the way it was meant to be played.

RIP

Italian Seafood · 05-30-2006, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG COUNTRY

RIP man,

Never saw him play but 39 is way too short of a life

Damn straight, I'm 39.

I heard it over the weekend, sad news. RIP Ironhead.

IslandJET · 05-31-2006, 10:17 AM

Remember the Zest body wash commercial he did?

"But Ironhead, what's with this thingy?"

Classic.

RIP brother, you will be missed.

05-27-2006, 10:54 PM	#3
jetophile Laika Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Charles Krauthammer's pants Posts: 5,815 vCash: 2000	That's a crying shame. I hate hearing stuff like that. __________________ JETS FOOTBALL: MORBIDLY FASCINATING. "I can make more Generals, but horses cost money." - Abraham Lincoln

05-28-2006, 03:04 PM	#7
Royal Tee Girls juss wanna have fun Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mixin and Makin Music! Posts: 16,992 vCash: 3000	R.I.P. Thank you for allowing us to Enjoy your years. For those who didn't get to see him...His nickname was WELL deserved.... __________________ theRoyal1.com the NY JETS Defense - "Snappy and Reponkinslive!!"

05-28-2006, 03:41 PM	#8
hiker Totally Addicted Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: At peace with the world Posts: 4,402 vCash: 3282	Its always so sad when someone dies well before their time. I can't imagine how tough this is on those around the guy. Every day when you get out of bed and go through your day, be so very grateful for what you have, and be happy to just be alive. RIP __________________ Check out my Flickr page, see beautiful places! Flickr

05-28-2006, 06:19 PM	#10
MillerTime#22 TheGangGreen.com Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: near Syracuse, NY Posts: 646 vCash: 25	Sad, very sad. Best nickname in NFL IMO. Great fullback that took on anyone. RIP Ironhead. __________________ "The Knicks are back!!"- Amare Stoudemire

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05-27-2006, 09:37 PM	#2
McCluneNYJ TheGangGreen.com Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Your mom's place Posts: 706 vCash: 25	Sad indeed. I remember him breaking heads at Pitt. Thats the way you play fullback. __________________

05-27-2006, 11:06 PM	#4
Wolfe Tone Totally Addicted Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 3,193 vCash: 4136	Thats to bad, I was just thinking about him the other day, he was one of my all time favourites, loved watching him run over people, he was also on my list of players for the all time draft

05-27-2006, 11:15 PM	#5
BIG COUNTRY Totally Addicted Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: yonkers, new york Posts: 4,836 vCash: 2650	RIP man, Never saw him play but 39 is way too short of a life

05-27-2006, 11:51 PM	#6
SigmaXJet Totally Addicted Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Northern VA Posts: 2,485 vCash: 6000	I definately enjoyed watching this guy play, a true warrior

05-29-2006, 03:48 AM	#11
wexy TheGangGreen.com Regular Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 419 vCash: 2000	That's really sad news. Rest in Peace.

05-31-2006, 10:17 AM	#14
IslandJET TheGangGreen.com Regular Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 438 vCash: 2000	Remember the Zest body wash commercial he did? "But Ironhead, what's with this thingy?" Classic. RIP brother, you will be missed.