Steelers Star Is Locked And Loaded Heading Into Year 14
The Steelers selected Cam Heyward with the 31st overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. The kid born in Pittsburgh got a chance to play for his hometown team, in the same city where his father Craig Heyward dominated the college football landscape. 13 seasons later, Heyward just signed a three-year extension that should solidify him as a one-helmet Hall of Famer when the time comes.
The Final Chapter?
On his podcast, “Not Just Football With Cam Heyward”, he said that he plans to play three more seasons. The Steelers made that come to fruition with the three-year contract this week and the urgency is higher than ever in the building. The Steelers window is now and they can feel it. The heaviest bearers of weight are guys on the defensive end like Heyward, TJ Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
With the addition of Russell Wilson, the Steelers made it very clear that they are going for it all this season. They have pushed all their chips to the middle of the table. With that type of talent on defense, how can you not? The defense has never been in question, it’s the offensive side of the ball that has had its question marks. With Heyward entering the season at 35 years old, he can feel it. He wants to hold that sticky Lombardi trophy.
Captain Cam Ready To Lead The Steelers Again
Last season was an odd one for Heyward. He spent most of the season banged up and only played 11 games. Even in those games, it was clear that he was hindered by his injury and wasn’t himself. He was able to grab two sacks, 25 solo tackles, and six tackles for loss. Heyward appeared in just 64% of the Steelers defensive snaps, the lowest of his career since his rookie year.
Now that Heyward is back to full health, the Steelers defense will get back to being as big of a weapon as it should be. They call Heyward “The Captain” for a reason. Although he wanted a new contract this offseason, he didn’t pout. He showed up to camp and participated, putting the team over himself. That’s not something you see much in today’s NFL. The reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year lives up to the award in every aspect.
Over the offseason, an odd corner of Steelers fans on the internet was in an all-out tailspin and decided to proclaim Heyward as washed. He’s seen all that chatter. He hears all the noise and a guy like Heyward has all of it pinned up on the mental bulletin board.
Over his star-studded 13-year career, Heyward has played 194 games in the black and yellow. He’s posted 647 total tackles, 404 solo tackles, 121 tackles for loss, and 80.5 sacks. Additionally, he has forced eight fumbles, recovered four of them, and has two interceptions. Heyward has been the anchor of the Steelers defense for ten seasons and he’s not ready to relinquish that position yet.
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