Charlotte Heyward Blackwell played a pivotal role in raising her two sons, Cameron and Connor Heyward, to become professional football stars in the NFL. This article will give readers insight into her background, her dedication as a single mother, and the lasting bond she shares with her successful sons.
Charlotte Heyward Blackwell’s Background
- Grew up in Georgia
- Attended Valdosta State University on a track scholarship
- Competed in shot put
- Met her future husband, the late Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, a football player, at Valdosta State University
- Worked multiple jobs after Craig was drafted into the NFL to support the family
- Occupations included:
- Bank teller
- Waitress
- Store clerk
“I did whatever it took to provide for my boys after my husband passed away. I worked long hours but made sure I was there for Cameron and Connor when they needed me,” Charlotte has said about that difficult period.
Raising Cameron and Connor Heyward as a Single Mother
Charlotte Heyward Blackwell suddenly became a single mother after her husband, former NFL fullback Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, tragically passed away from cancer. This left her as the sole parent to Cameron and Connor Heyward.
- Craig “Ironhead” Heyward died when the boys were just 12 and 10 years old
- She raised the boys herself in Duluth, Georgia
- Instilled core values of:
- Education
- Discipline
- Hard work
- Resilience
- Made sure the boys rigorously trained from a young age to pursue football
- Enrolled the boys in football camps and hired position coaches
- Drove the boys to practices, camps, and games nearly every day
- Stretched the household budget to support the boys’ football development
Cameron Heyward has especially praised his mother, saying:
“My mom’s been a rock for me throughout my whole life, but especially in high school she made so many sacrifices just to get me and my brother to camps and practices. She’s been so committed to me following my football dreams, and I’m forever grateful for her.”
Cameron and Connor Heyward’s Bond with Their Mother
Cameron and Connor Heyward both recognize that their mother, Charlotte Blackwell’s unwavering love and support played a huge role in facilitating their success in professional football.
- The brothers credit their mother for the people they have become
- “Our mom kept us humble and taught us what really matters,” Connor says.
- They visit Charlotte in Georgia often during the NFL offseason
- Over the years, they have bought Charlotte multiple houses to thank her for raising them
- Connor got a massive tattoo of his mother inked on his arm when he entered the NFL
“This tattoo is to honor my mom who has been there for me through everything,” Connor explained.
Charlotte Heyward Blackwell Supports Her Sons’ NFL Careers
Although Cameron Heyward plays in Pennsylvania for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Connor in Georgia for the Atlanta Falcons, their mother still passionately supports them every step of the way.
- Charlotte frequently travels to see both her sons’ NFL games in-person
- Logs thousands of miles during football season
- Gives them advice and encouragement after games:
- “Both boys still come to me for comfort or advice like when they were kids,” she said.
- Attends ceremonies and fundraisers held by Cameron and Connor’s community foundations
She told reporters at an event:
“My two boys have grown into such fine, caring men. I know their father, Craig, would be bursting with pride to see the men and players they’ve become.”
After an injury sidelined Connor this season, Charlotte shared:
“I’ve reminded Connor to stay patient with his rehab – the same way I had to be patient raising him and Cameron as a single mom. Hard times don’t last, better days are coming.”
There is no doubt that the love and support between Charlotte Heyward Blackwell and her now grown sons remains as strong as ever.
Charlotte Heyward Blackwell Remarried in 2015
Though she faced hardship being a single mother after tragically losing her first husband, Craig Ironhead Heyward, Charlotte found love again later in life.
- In 2015, she remarried a man named Steven Wesley.
- Steven is retired military turned businessman
- He is extremely supportive of Charlotte’s sons and their football careers
- Often travels with Charlotte across the country to visit Cameron in Pennsylvania and Connor in Georgia for games
- Attends various foundation events held by Charlotte’s sons with her
Steven understands the unbreakable, vital bond between his wife Charlotte and her sons Cameron and Connor.
“Those boys mean everything to their mama. I’m blessed to know and support this family,” Steven has commented.
Connor said this about his mother finding companionship again with her new husband:
“After everything our mom did to raise me and Cam, she deserves all the happiness in the world. I’m so happy she found love again later in her life.”
Charlotte’s first priority will always be her sons. But her new loving marriage to Steven Wesley brings her joy as she continues encouraging her boys to strive for greatness. She now has a caring life partner to support her on the journey.
Charlotte Remarried Former NBA Player Cory Blackwell
After tragically losing her first husband Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, Charlotte eventually found love again with retired basketball pro Cory Blackwell in the early 2000s.
- Cory Blackwell played for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns
- He and Charlotte connected through local sports circles in Georgia
- They dated for 2 years before getting married
- Cory developed a close bond with step-sons Cameron and Connor Heyward
- Would help coach the boys in basketball to supplement their football training
- The couple later divorced amicably after 5 years of marriage
- They remain good friends
- Cory still attends Cameron and Connor’s NFL games when able
Cameron Heyward respects Cory Blackwell being an influential stepfather in his teen years:
“Cory taught me and my brother hard work not only on the football field, but also how it translates into life and taking care of family.”
Though Charlotte’s second marriage ultimately dissolved, it was meaningful for her sons. Cory Blackwell cares deeply about Cameron and Connor years later because of the family bond cultivated when married to their mother.
The Youngest Son: Connor Heyward’s Story
Out of Charlotte Heyward Blackwell’s two beloved sons, Connor Heyward is the youngest at just 24 years old. His journey into pro football occurred a few years behind his elder brother Cameron’s rise.
- Connor lost his father at age 10 – younger than Cameron was at age 12
- Especially reliant on his mother as a child
- Didn’t start playing organized football until high school
- Grew up watching and learning from Cameron’s football success
- Committed to playing for University of Michigan Wolverines in college
- Drafted 2022 by the Atlanta Falcons
- Rookie tight end made an immediate impact with touchdowns and key receptions
- Suffered injury causing him to miss remainder of 2022 season
- Leaning on guidance from his mother Charlotte and brother Cameron during recovery
Being the baby boy, Connor continues depending heavily on his biggest cheerleader – his unconditionally supportive mother. Through the highs and lows, Charlotte remains right there motivating her son each step of the journey.
“Mama Cee has been my inspiration from day one and always will be, no matter where this career takes me,” Connor says affectionately about the matriarch of football’s Heyward family.
Connor promises greatness ahead as he reflects the strength instilled in him by his brave single mother. Stay tuned.
The First Son: Cameron Heyward’s Journey
As the first-born son of Craig “Ironhead” Heyward and Charlotte Heyward Blackwell, Cameron Heyward set the pace for football greatness that his younger brother Connor then followed.
- Endured losing his father at age 12
- Turned to his mother as central role model
- Starred as multisport athlete at Peachtree Ridge High School in Georgia
- Dominant football talent earned him full scholarship to Ohio State University
- Selected #31 overall in 2011 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Immediately secured starting defensive position
- Now age 33, entering his 12th season in Pittsburgh
- Considered a veteran team leader
- Named to 5th career Pro Bowl roster for 2023
Cameron Heyward has established himself as one of the steadiest, most ferocious defensive tackles in the NFL today. But he directs the credit toward his mother Charlotte for instilling work ethic and perseverance to power his many accomplishments.
“They say hard times create strong men. My mom kept our family strong as steel when times got hard. She deserves all the praise for the man I am today,” Cameron acknowledges.
Expect Cameron Heyward to anchor the Steelers defense for years to come thanks to the resilient foundation built for him by his number one fan – his beloved mother.
Emma, the visionary author behind NFLBoost.com, is a passionate NFL enthusiast dedicated to delivering unparalleled insights and updates on everything football. With a keen eye for the game, Emma’s expertise shines through engaging articles and comprehensive analyses. Join her on NFLBoost.com for a front-row seat to the latest NFL news, commentary, and a celebration of the sport we all love.
