Steelers' Cam Heyward's Sensational Career Has Proven That He Can Still Be A Top DT In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted defensive tackle Cam Heyward with the 31st pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft after an amazing college career at Ohio State University. He took after his father, Craig Heyward, and became an NFL star. Heyward has had an illustrious 15-year career and has shown no signs of slowing down. The defensive lineman has continued to prove doubters wrong by playing at a Pro Bowl level even in his late thirties. 

Heyward started in all 17 games in his age-36 season, registering 78 combined tackles, three-and-a-half sacks, and was named second-team All-Pro. After an offseason of contract disputes in 2025, Heyward settled on an extension to keep him in the Steel City. He is the heart of the Steelers' defense and has proven that he will go down as one of the team's all-time greats. His 92 sacks are second all-time for Pittsburgh, and what's even more impressive is that it comes from the interior lineman position. 

Heyward has continued his dominance and has gotten better with age. He is consistent, having played 800 or more snaps since 2018 (except 2023, when he dealt with some injuries), and has been a top player at his position for years. Analysts Steve Palazzolo and Sam Monson discussed the best players at each position in the NFL on their Check The Mic podcast, and just how great Heyward has been throughout his long career. 

"He's been durable and effective," Palazzolo said. "He's been around forever, year 15 last year." 

Monson added an interesting point that Heyward has played for so long that you could split his career into eras. 

"He's reaching the point, though, where you can, like [Tom] Brady, you could fairly chop Cameron Heyward's career in half now, right? The second half is way better than the first half. Since the age of 30, he's been way better than he was before 30. He's becoming a better player despite his age; it's kind of crazy," Monson said. 

Heyward's career trajectory has been almost the opposite of many other players, where he has gotten better in his thirties. This is rare for such a physically demanding position, too, and proves just how unique a player Heyward is. 

Heyward is under contract through the 2027 season and has shown no signs of stopping. The fan-favorite player will continue to be a problem for offenses and will hope to continue his dominance. After a year in which the Steelers' defense fell well short of expectations, his services are needed more than ever. The defensive line has plenty of solid young players behind him who will use him as a mentor. 

The Steelers need Heyward to keep his momentum going into a year that will rely on the defense to redeem itself. Heyward will have to get back to being a premier pass rusher and run-stopper, and after last season, there's no reason why he shouldn't. The ageless wonder will head into year 16 with a chip on his shoulder, as he hopes to lead the team to a playoff win. 

Steelers' Cam Heyward Could Provide A Huge Service To Young Players

Not only will Heyward be a mentor in teaching young players techniques and actual aspects of the game, but he'll also need to be a leader when it comes to undergoing changes with the coaching staff. 

This will be a big change for him, too, as he spent his entire career under one head coach. His leadership skills throughout this process will be vital for the defense, because if he can acclimate, then so should they. The potential Hall of Famer will be pivotal skill-wise and as a coach-like player. 

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