(Screenshot via the NBC broadcast of the Steelers-Chargers game on Nov. 21, 2021)
Cameron Heyward is having the best season of his career and is well on his way to being named first-team All-Pro. Through 10 games, Heyward has recorded 49 total tackles (30 solos), 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for a loss, 10 quarterback hits, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception and seven pass deflections.
Even though Heyward is one of the best defensive linemen in the league, it seems like Heyward is always being overlooked outside of Pittsburgh.
Heyward, 32, is a four-time Pro Bowler and has been named All-Pro three times in his career (twice as first-team and once as second-team). If Heyward can get nominated for four more Pro Bowls and All-Pro honors, along with 30-40 more sacks, he should be a lock for the Hall of Fame. Heyward should be a shoo-in for Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors this year. Heyward currently has 62.5 career sacks, which ranks fifth all-time in Steelers' history.
On Sunday night against the Chargers, along with batting Justin Herbert's pass at the line of scrimmage that resulted in an interception by Cam Sutton, Heyward also chased down Herbert 36 yards down the field to make a tackle. It was a quintessential play by Heyward, as it showcased his heart and determination.
This picture of Heyward running after Herbert really defines what kind of effort and play it was.
"Cam is Cam," Tomlin said after the game about Heyward chasing Herbert down. "He gives everything he's got and that's why we love him and respect him. That's why we elected him captain and that's why he represents us in that way."
Tomlin gave more praise for Heyward during his weekly press conference yesterday. “(Heyward) checks all the boxes, he's a blueprint for developing players on and off the field. he's a walking, talking, breathing example of how to do it."
Ben Roethlisberger took it a step further and said Heyward is a player who could have played in any Steelers era. That's some high praise from a future Hall of Famer quarterback. Roethlisberger has seen it all in his 18-year career. If Heyward keeps it up, he could join Roethlisberger in Canton someday as well, despite what the naysayers think.