Steelers' Heyward faces 2nd fine for tribute to late father

PITTSBURGH - Cam Heyward is more concerned about paying tribute to his late father and those battling cancer than whatever fine the NFL might throw his way.

The Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end and Gwinnett County native wore eye black with "Ironhead" written on it for the second straight week during Sunday's 25-13 win over Arizona.

Heyward's father, Craig Heyward, went by "Ironhead" during a standout college career at Pitt and then another 11 years in the NFL as a running back for four teams including Atlanta. The elder Heyward died after a long fight with cancer in 2006.

Cam Heyward attended Peachtree Ridge High School in Gwinnett County

The NFL hit with Cam Heyward with $5,787 fine for displaying a personal message. Heyward said he'll continue to pay the fine, adding he doesn't "want to ruffle any feathers, but this is bigger than all we play for. There are people fighting for (their) lives."

The fines have sparked debate among some FOX experts.

FOX NFL Analyst and former NFL Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira said Cam Heyward “stuck it in the NFL’s face."

In a video posting on FOXSports.com, Pereira said, “Good for you, Cam, good for you honoring your father who was a great player in the NFL.”

FOX Sports Radio host Colin Cowherd doesn’t have a problem with the fine.

On his show “The Herd with Colin Cowherd”, Cowherd said last night, “The easy take is always, mean league, bad league. There’s a reason that there’s protocol in every business.”

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.