Tag: Cam Heyward

How much longer can Cam Heyward defy age heading into 2025 season?

Cam Heyward continues to defy age, but how much longer can the Steelers rely on him before finding his eventual replacement?

The 2025 NFL offseason must be treated with careful planning, great attention, and reflection if the Pittsburgh Steelers are to rebound from their disappointing five-game losing streak to end the 2024 season.

One of the most painful questions the Pittsburgh Steelers must ask themselves heading into the offseason, however, is how much longer they can rely on the sole efforts of Cam Heyward to uphold a weakening defensive line.

Heyward will be 36 years old by the time the 2025 regular season rolls around—just one year older than when legendary Steelers DT “Mean” Joe Greene retired.

Heyward put together one of his greatest seasons to date in 2024, but Father Time waits for no man. Ideally, he would be able to play at an elite level for another five years, but this simply isn’t realistic.

Ultimately, if the Pittsburgh Steelers care about staying competitive in the postseason—and there’s little evidence to suggest that they do—drafting his heir apparent in the 2025 NFL Draft would be the right move.

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Steelers QB to replace Josh Allen in 2025 Pro Bowl Games

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson is headed to the 2025 Pro Bowl, replacing Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen.

Russell Wilson, AKA ‘Mr. Unlimited,’ is on his way to the 2025 Pro Bowl Games. Wilson will replace Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, who pulled out of the contest with a wrist injury. Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson also withdrew from the Pro Bowl Games, with New England Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye replacing him.

This will be Wilson’s 10th Pro Bowl selection, as well as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ sixth player participating in the games, joining OG Isaac Seumalo, DT Cam Heyward, FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, K Chris Boswell, and ST Miles Killebrew.

Wilson may have finished the 2024 season cold, but his overall stats were solid given his limited playtime: 2,482 passing yards, 16 TDs, five INTs, and a 95.6 passer rating in just 11 games.

Fans can witness DangeRuss cook up something special for the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown on Thursday, January 30th at 7:00 PM EST, as well as participate in Sunday’s Pro Bowl Games Championship on February 2nd at 3:00 PM EST.

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Three Pittsburgh Steelers make PFWA 2024 All-NFL team

Three Steelers—Chris Boswell, Cam Heyward, and T.J. Watt—earned spots on the PFWA’s 2024 All-NFL team after standout seasons.

The PFWA has selected its All-NFL team for the 2024 season, and three Pittsburgh Steelers have made this prestigious list: K Chris Boswell, DT Cam Heyward, and OLB T.J. Watt.

Boswell kicked an impressive 41 out of 44 field goals this season, including an incredible 13 out of 15 from 50+ yards out. His excellence was truly on display when considering that his only three missed field goals in 2024 came from terrible weather conditions, a 60+ yard attempt, and a block.

Heyward truly turned back the clock in 2024, proving not only that age is just a number but that he is arguably the greatest defensive tackle in the NFL. At 35 years old, Heyward became the first defensive lineman since 2017 to record 10+ tackles for loss and 10+ pass breakups in the same season.

Despite his struggles toward the end of the season, Watt remains one of the greatest defenders the NFL has ever seen. His six forced fumbles led all defenders in 2024, and he also accumulated 11.5 sacks this season.

All three elite Steelers will aim to help their team finally achieve the coveted playoff win in 2025 that has eluded them for far too long.

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Cam Heyward on why Steelers struggle to win playoff games

Cam Heyward isn’t holding back on the Steelers’ playoff struggles, calling out slow starts after another early exit.

Cam Heyward has truly turned back the clock in 2024, but it likely means very little to the Pittsburgh Steelers defender, as the team has once again failed to win when it matters most—in the playoffs.

The veteran defender sympathizes with Steelers fans and is equally frustrated himself, as evident when discussing the team’s playoff woes on his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward.

Heyward explained exactly why the team continues to struggle early in these playoff contests:

“Defense is not getting off the field—not getting three-and-outs. Offense not scoring any points.”

Touching specifically on the loss to the Ravens, Heyward continued to rip into the team’s performance:

“I thought the offense came out in the second half and played a lot better, but it was a hole that was dug pretty deep.”

There is no sugarcoating it—the Pittsburgh Steelers are a terrible first-half football team.

While it’s a start that the veteran DT is addressing the slow starts, but the bigger question remains on how to correct it—and hopefully it is answered in time for Heyward to win his Super Bowl before retirement.

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Who was the Steelers’ true defensive MVP in 2024?

DeShon Elliott’s stellar 2024 season highlighted his versatility and dominance, cementing his importance in the Steelers’ defense.

The 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers boasted one of the strongest defensive rosters the team had in decades—on paper. While the Steelers struggled to contain offenses in the latter half of the season, a few defensive players consistently excelled—especially strong safety DeShon Elliott.

Elliott’s signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers was one of the most underrated moves of the offseason but a welcome addition, as the safety served as a Swiss Army knife for the defense.

Elliott was at his best when stopping the run and flying around the field making tackles, but he also proved himself as a capable pass rusher and excelled in man coverage.

His three fumble recoveries and 73 solo tackles led all Steelers defenders in 2024—despite playing in two fewer games.

While many may argue that Steelers DT Cam Heyward was just as dominant and important to the defense, Elliott consistently made opposing offenses feel his presence.

Elliott’s 2024 performance proves why he should be labeled the MVP of the Steelers defense this season, and fans have every reason to be excited about what the safety has in store for 2025.

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T.J. Watt opens up about his future with the Pittsburgh Steelers

T.J. Watt remains focused on staying with the Pittsburgh Steelers, aiming to bring a long-awaited championship back to Pittsburgh.

The Baltimore Ravens took away the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ opportunity at a Super Bowl title in 2024, but one cannot take away the heart of the Black and Gold—especially not the burning desire in T.J. Watt to remain in the Steel City.

On Monday, Watt took the opportunity to make his desires known regarding his future with the Pittsburgh Steelers:

“I don’t want to leave this place. I want to be a part of the solution. I’ve put so much into it here and seen so many guys—I want to help Cam Heyward get to where we need to get.”

Watt continued to reiterate his desire to remain a Pittsburgh Steeler, and his mission to win a Super Bowl for the Black and Gold faithful:

“I love the people here—and that goes beyond just the coaches. It’s the fan base, it’s the people, the community—and we owe it to them to get it right.”

If the Pittsburgh Steelers remain committed to reloading this upcoming offseason—avoiding the dreaded rebuild—they need to get both Watt and Heyward their Super Bowl in 2025, as time continues to run out.

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If Mike Tomlin stays, Steelers DC Teryl Austin needs to go

Teryl Austin’s future with the Steelers is in question as criticisms mount over his handling of a star-studded defense in 2024.

The once-illustrious winning ways of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Black and Gold symbol of excellence continue to be tarnished by HC Mike Tomlin’s ‘winning seasons” and his coaching staff—more specifically, DC Teryl Austin.

Insider Gerry Dulac reported that Tomlin is likely to remain with the Steelers in 2025. With this information in mind, it’s time to wish Austin the best in his future endeavors.

If Pittsburgh hopes to remain competitive in 2025 and beyond under Tomlin, something from this subpar coaching staff needs to change—and it starts with the defensive coordinator.

Austin was gift-wrapped one of the greatest defenses on paper a coach could ask for, yet he failed to coach and prepare them for the tough battles that awaited in 2024.

There is no reason why a defense that features some of the best run defenders in DeShon Elliott and Elandon Roberts, as well as the generational veteran talent of T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward, should give up almost 300 rushing yards to any NFL team—let alone a divisional rival in the playoffs.

The recipe for 2025 success is simple: if Tomlin stays, he needs to choose greatness over his loyalty to Austin.

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Will Wild-Card loss to Ravens send Steelers into full rebuild?

The Steelers’ Wild-Card loss to the Ravens raises questions about whether Pittsburgh will face a full rebuild or stick to reloading.

Another Pittsburgh Steelers season has ended in disappointing fashion, and the Black and Gold’s winless playoff drought continues. However, this loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild-Card round of the playoffs feels different—like it will force the Steelers into a full-blown rebuild.

There is an age-old expression fans like to use: ‘The Steelers don’t rebuild, they reload,’ but the team clearly needs more than reloading.

If the Steel City faithful get their wish, the coaching staff will likely receive a complete overhaul—which makes it tough to remain competitive right away.

Veteran Steelers defenders like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward aren’t getting any younger, and all parties may benefit from a change in scenery. Pittsburgh could gain extra draft capital to complete the rebuild, while Watt and Heyward are able to chase a Super Bowl elsewhere.

The offense will need a complete overhaul, but bringing back QB Justin Fields in 2025 provides the Steelers with a young signal-caller for the future.

Could the Steelers begin their rebuild as soon as this offseason, or will HC Mike Tomlin doom Pittsburgh to another mediocre, winless postseason once again?

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Steelers defenders Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt deserve to be traded

For all that T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward have given the Pittsburgh Steelers over their Hall of Fame careers, they deserve better.

For all that T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward have given the Pittsburgh Steelers over their Hall of Fame careers, they deserve better. Watt and Heyward have been the heart and soul of Pittsburgh’s defense for years, but it might be time to give these legends a chance to chase a Super Bowl elsewhere.

Watt, 30, and Heyward, 35, are entering the twilight of their respective careers, and the Steelers’ current roster doesn’t look like it’s built for a deep playoff run anytime soon.

Holding on to these players merely because they’re the best on the roster won’t do the team any good when everything surrounding them is subpar. Pittsburgh’s terrible coaching staff, inconsistent offense, and lack of postseason success make it hard to envision this team hoisting the Lombardi Trophy during however many years remain in their pro tenures.

Watt, a former Defensive Player of the Year, remains a dominant pass rusher despite battling injuries, while Heyward’s leadership and ability to disrupt opposing offenses make him a valuable asset. Both deserve to finish their careers on a team with a legitimate shot at winning a Super Bowl.

A trade would benefit Watt and Heyward and allow the Steelers to acquire valuable draft capital to rebuild their roster. Imagine Watt terrorizing quarterbacks on a championship-caliber team or Heyward anchoring a defense destined for glory. Steelers fans might not like it, but giving these stars a shot at a ring is the ultimate nod to their incredible contributions.

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3 Pittsburgh Steelers earn AP All-Pro Honors

Three Pittsburgh Steelers earned well-deserved recognition from the Associated Press when its All-Pro team was announced on Jan. 10

Three Pittsburgh Steelers earned well-deserved recognition from the Associated Press when its All-Pro team was announced on Jan. 10, showcasing their elite contributions to the Black and Gold.

Chris Boswell landed on the first-team All-Pro, cementing his status as one of the NFL’s most reliable specialists. Boswell’s consistent ability to deliver under pressure was critical in tight games, proving why he’s affectionately nicknamed “The Wizard of Boz.”

T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward earned second-team All-Pro honors, demonstrating their dominance on the defensive side. Watt, a perennial force, showed why he’s a former Defensive Player of the Year, wreaking havoc on quarterbacks and fueling the Steelers’ pass rush. Heyward, the heart and soul of the defensive line, continued his tradition of excellence with relentless energy and leadership in the trenches.

These honors are a testament to the Steelers’ commitment to excellence and their Watt, Heyward and Boswell’s pivotal roles in the team’s success.

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