At 5-foot-11 and 260 pounds, Heyward was known mostly as a bruising back during his 11-year NFL career, during which he compiled 4,301 yards on 1,031 carries with 30 touchdowns. He also caught 177 passes for 1,559 and four TDs, playing for New Orleans, Chicago, Atlanta, St. Louis and Indianapolis.

Heyward's last season was in 1998 with the Colts, but he had a rough 7 1/2- year battle with his brain tumor. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 1995 and was a first-round draft pick of the Saints in 1988 out of Pittsburgh.

"Craig Heyward truly ranks among the all-time greats in Pitt football history," Panthers head football coach Dave Wannstedt said. "I will always remember him as a tremendous player who had an irrepressible attitude on and off the field. We spoke just a few weeks ago and I was struck by the typical upbeat 'Ironhead' attitude he displayed despite his health. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Pitt family are with Craig's loved ones during this time of sorrow."