Cam Heyward Says He'll Stop Wearing 'Ironhead' Eye Black During Steelers Games

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward made waves when he said the NFL fined him for honoring his late father, Craig, with a message on his eye black. However, he will stop making the tribute moving forward after discussions with the league.

Heyward wrote the words "Iron" and "Head" on his eye black in Weeks 5 and 6 in homage to his father, who was nicknamed "Ironhead." The writing violated the league's uniform policy.

On Tuesday, Heyward provided his new plan via Twitter:

Heyward's father died of a brain tumor in 2006.

According to an ESPN.com report, the NFL agreed to reduce Heyward's fines "with the stipulation he represent his father in other ways." Per the report, Heyward was fined $5,787 for wearing the eye black in Week 5 and prompted what "would have been a $11,576 fine for a second offense" by wearing it in Week 6.

Heyward broke the news of the first fine on Twitter:

There was widespread outrage that the league had fined Heyward for honoring his father, especially since it happened in October, when the NFL supports the breast cancer awareness movement with pink on its uniforms.

"Let's come up with the right plan, the right system to allow guys to do what they need to do," New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall said on Inside the NFL (via Twitter) in reference to Heyward.

It at least appears Heyward and the NFL have reached something of a middle ground. More importantly, the defensive end found a way to still honor his father while also supporting causes he cares about.