Cameron Heyward continues to defy Father Time. At the age of 36, he made the Associated Press‘ All-Pro second team. With this achievement, Heyward adds to what could be a Hall of Fame resume in a couple of years. He’s been a dominant force defending the run his entire career and demands double teams when rushing the passer. The Steelers would not be in the playoff hunt year after year without him.
Heyward Makes History
With this selection, Cameron Heyward makes his sixth total All-Pro team in his career. He finished 2025 with 3.5 sacks, six passes deflected, 78 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits. Those counting stats do not do his impact justice. In the 21st century, Cam Heyward is the only defensive tackle to make an All-Pro team over the age of 36. The only defensive tackle in Heyward’s stratosphere as far as defying Father Time goes was Pat Williams in 2007, who made second-team All-Pro at the age of 35.
Heyward is vital to the success of Pittsburgh’s defense. He plugs gaps in the running game, runs over guards with his patented one-arm stab while pass rushing, and bats down passes more than any defensive lineman since J.J. Watt. He’s always in the right place at the right time and has been the Steelers’ most consistent player over the last two seasons. He was particularly dominant last week, recording seven tackles and batting down a pass in the third quarter that led to a T.J. Watt interception.
As vital as Heyward is on the field for Pittsburgh, he’s just as valuable as a mentor and a leader. He’s been vital to the development of Pittsburgh’s young defensive lineman such as Keaanu Benton and Derrick Harmon. Harmon especially has soaked in a lot of Heyward’s advice, referring to him as a “great vet” and as someone who’s constantly looking out for him. Whether it’s on or off the field, Cameron Heyward represents what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler at the highest level.
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