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Cam Heyward Stands Up for Veteran QB: “Give Him More Snaps”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)

PITTSBURGH (CafeX) — Two weeks into the preseason, one win and one narrow loss, and a familiar voice inside the locker room has spoken up. Veteran captain Cam Heyward believes quarterback Mason Rudolph deserves more time on the field.

So far, Rudolph’s role has been limited. In the opener against the Jets, he barely saw action. In Week 2 versus Tampa Bay, he completed 3 of 5 passes for 46 yards with one touchdown and one interception. A small sample that hinted at promise, but far too little to settle his place in the quarterback room.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wednesday, July 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Emilee Fails / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Heyward made his case directly: “Enough with the five-snap looks. Mason’s been here since 2018 — he’s a veteran. If we’re serious about competition, then let him actually compete. You can’t judge a quarterback off scraps.”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)

In Pittsburgh, Cam Heyward’s words carry weight. His push for Mason Rudolph isn’t only about one preseason stat line — it’s about fairness, competition, and respect for a veteran who has worn black and gold since 2018. For Rudolph, the challenge is simple: if the snaps come, he must make them count.

Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”