This week, Cam Heyward ought to set the document for many video games performed for a Pittsburgh Steelers defensive participant. Week 8 will mark Heyward’s 202nd recreation, an astounding quantity contemplating the place he performs. Most defensive lineman don’t age as gracefully as Heyward has, however Mike Tomlin defined that it’s his distinctive talent set that has allowed him to take action.
“When it comes to why he’s in a position to be uniquely efficient for a protracted time frame, he’s an influence participant who occurs to be athletic,” Tomlin stated Tuesday throughout his weekly press convention through the staff’s YouTube channel. “These energy gamers develop previous extra gracefully than the outsized athletes. I’d think about at 45, you couldn’t transfer Cam [Heyward] out of a spot. The facility gamers usually age extra gracefully, and he’s an influence participant.”
Energy is certainly the title of Heyward’s recreation. He’s had among the best bull rushes within the NFL for a very long time. He hasn’t racked up 83.5 sacks as an inside defensive lineman for nothing. Even at 35 years previous, Heyward continues to be wrecking store. Like Tomlin says, it doesn’t appear like he intends on slowing down any time quickly.
That’s in all probability a part of the explanation the Steelers felt snug giving Heyward a contract extension in early September. Normally, giving a boatload of cash to an growing older defensive lineman is a foul concept, however in Heyward’s case, the Steelers wanted to pay him. He’s been the usual for the Steelers’ protection, performing as their coronary heart and soul.
Heyward is tied with Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame security Donnie Shell for many video games performed by a defensive participant in Steelers historical past. Have a look at all of the Corridor of Fame defenders the Steelers have employed. After Monday night time, Heyward may have performed extra video games than all of them.
It’s in all probability going to be a very long time earlier than anybody breaks that document, merely primarily based on the truth that it’s a time-based benefit. Heyward is in his 14th season, and he’s solely actually spent two seasons coping with a significant damage. That type of longevity is uncommon.
For that cause, and so many extra, the Steelers are fortunate to have Heyward. Not solely is he an unbelievable participant on the sector, however he could be a greater individual off it. There’s no yet one more deserving to be the longest-tenured defender in Steelers historical past.
