Heyward’s Bounce Back is Exceptional, but Not Surprising

PITTSBURGH–On Monday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers observed a piece of franchise history en route to a victory over the New York Giants. Long-time captain Cameron Heyward suited up for his 202nd game–the most in franchise history for a Steelers defender.

It’s almost hard to think how far Heyward has come after a rough 2023 campaign. Heyward suffered a groin injury early in the season that ended up requiring surgery. Though he was able to return later in the year, Heyward didn’t look the same.

Some speculated time had caught up to the then 34-year-old defensive end out of Ohio State. Maybe this was it. After all, he had spent 13 seasons in the black and gold, had an expiring contract, and watched the Steelers draft Keeanu Benton as the future of the interior defensive line.

Heyward, however, tapped into his inner James Harrison and seems to have turned back the clock a little bit. It has truly been a night and day difference for the now 35-year-old veteran.

Last season in 11 games, Heyward recorded only 2 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, and 3 quarterback hits. 8 games into 2024, Heyward has surpassed his sack and quarterback hit totals with 3 and 12 respectively. He is on track to more than exceed his tackle for losses. He looks more like what we saw during his 6-year Pro Bowl streak from 2017-2022 which also included 3 First Team All-Pro selections.

To the common man, this turnaround could be described as extraordinary or miraculous. If you asked defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, he would agree to an extent but wouldn’t be surprised. On Wednesday, he was asked about Heyward.

DIVINE INTERVENTION, WILL OF STEEL

When asked if he is surprised to see Heyward play at such a strong level so far this season, Dunbar simply was not. 

“If I had been a first-year coach, I’d have said yes. But, I have been here with Cam for six years … He does a great job of taking care of his body, he’s a student of the game, so it doesn’t surprise me at all.” Dunbar said.

When asked what has led to this bounce back and that keeps Heyward going, Dunbar smiled and hinted at divine intervention. “God,” Dunbar said. “I think it’s just, you know, it’s luck. The great ones, you know, take care of their bodies and they stay away from injuries. He had an injury last year but he’s recovered from it … the perseverance of that person and a little godly luck.”

Can Heyward keep going? Dunbar seems to think he’s got something left. “If you watch basketball, you watch track, you watch tennis, the good ones stay around for a while.”

Indeed the good ones do. Heyward established this with his 202nd game on Monday. He continues to captain a Steelers defense that has allowed less than 15 points per game. After a contract extension this past offseason and this newfound fountain of youth, Heyward’s performance could lead to a 7th Pro Bowl selection.

For Heyward, excellence has been his standard as the captain. To see this bounce back at his age is exceptional, but not surprising.

Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.