Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward came in at No. 98 on the NFL Network’s annual Top 100 Players list. It’s Heyward’s eighth time making the NFL Top 100, which is voted on by the players. Heyward is the first Steeler to make the list on the countdown.
“OG, he’s still doing it,” Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown said of Heyward. “Still doing it at the same level. It’s crazy.”
Heyward was also commended for his leadership by teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick.
“He’s a consistent force for us in the run game, in the pass game. He’s a leader on our team. He’s a great dude, a great man,” Fitzpatrick said.
Heyward missed six games last season because of a groin injury, which required offseason surgery. He essentially played on one leg last season.
Heyward had a down year last season because of the injury. He’s also getting up there in age, which could explain why he dropped from No. 45 to No. 98 in the NFL Top 100 list.
If he can stay healthy, the 35-year-old veteran should still be dominant in 2024. He believes he brings a style of play that no one else can replicate.
“My game is different from everybody else in this league,” Heyward said. “I like to think I can play the run and the pass. And that’s why I’m different.”
Heyward has been studying powerlifters as they are all about power, which is Heyward’s specialty.
“Last year Mike (Tomlin) brought to my attention, the thing that’s really cool is you watch powerlifters, and my game is built on power and technique and (powerlifters) go into their 40s,” Heyward said. “And so, you know, that’s what kind of research I’m doing behind the scenes.”
Heyward is a three-time first-team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler. He’s recorded 80.5 career sacks, which is tied for second on the franchise’s all-time list. He also was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2023.
Heyward’s accolades certainly make him Hall of Fame worthy. Some voters probably don’t view him as a slam dunk, but NFL historian John Turney thinks he’s done enough to warrant a Gold Jacket.
Turney believes Heyward’s accomplishments match up with other Hall of Fame defensive linemen.
“As it is, his three All-Pros are similar to others who played his position — a 3-4 defensive end in a base defense and a defensive tackle in passing downs. Howie Long did that. So did Richard Seymour. Both were All-Pro three times, with Long going to eight Pro Bowls and Seymour seven,” Turney wrote.
“Lee Roy Selmon, a pure 3-4 end who didn’t ‘sink’ to defensive tackle, was also a three-time All-Pro. Two guys who played multiple positions — Dan Hampton and Joe Klecko — could also be considered for comparison, with Hampton a four-time All-Pro and Klecko chosen twice.”