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SDOGO · 03-11-2006, 08:41 AM

Iron Head battling brain tumor

Craig Heyward was the NFL's version of a battering ram, one who preferred to run over defenders rather than around them. But a recurring brain tumor has left the once-powerful man, who was hailed as "Ironhead" during an 11-year NFL career, fighting for his life at Emory Hospital, according to the ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION.

Heyward, 39, will undergo surgery Monday following the recent news that a tumor — called a chordoma — had returned. The rare, slow-growing tumors tend to recur, sometimes more aggressively, after their initial removal.

The news was the latest setback for Heyward, a former Pro Bowl running back with the Falcons who was first diagnosed with the chordoma while playing with the Indianapolis Colts in 1998. His three sons were with him Friday when word came of the surgery needed to reduce the pressure on his brain and keep him alive.

03-11-2006, 09:05 AM

That ****ing sucks ***. Ironhead was always one of my favorites when he played. When I first got into fantasy football I always tried to grab him because he was a good value in the later rounds.

Godspeed Ironhead ... get well soon.

Spork5812 · 03-11-2006, 09:27 AM

I hope Ironhead makes it through

he was my favorite player to pretend to be when i was a kid playing football in the back yard

you are in my prayers ironhead.

DHNF · 03-11-2006, 10:08 AM

Sad news. Loved Ironhead growing up.

mmmc_35 · 03-11-2006, 11:48 AM

everyone loved ironhead. It was hard not too. He did exactly what his name suggests he may do on the field. Run mother ****ers over. Also you never heard his name with controversy. Good player. Good luck.

DawkinsINT · 03-11-2006, 11:51 AM

Best of luck, Craig.

tigersucs99 · 03-11-2006, 01:08 PM

Being a Pitt fan I remember him when he played there. Had a good but not great NFL career but always gave his all when on the field. Hopefully 'Ironhead' can pull out of this and get better. Thoughts and prayers to his family.