This past offseason, veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward did something that much of the Steelers fanbase did not approve of: he bet on himself.
Coming off an injury-plagued season, Heyward faced significant backlash when he decided to sit out during OTAs while negotiating a contract extension. Many believed that Heyward was not worth the investment, considering the wear and tear his body has endured after 13 years in the trenches. Despite the scrutiny, there was still one person who believed he had much more in the tank—Heyward himself.
So far this season, Heyward has emerged as one of the top players on the Steelers roster. In their Week 6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Heyward was his usual dominant self, registering his third sack of the season, along with four tackles and two quarterback hits. This season, it has become a common refrain for Heyward to make significant plays on the field.
It's easy to forget that he's 35 because his play on the field suggests someone still in his prime. Interestingly enough, he's one of the few players on the Steelers' defense not to be affected by injury. As it stands, he is one of the few constants they have on their roster.
Heyward, who continues to add to his Hall of Fame career, shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. For the reigning Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, this year represents not only an opportunity to lead his team to the playoffs, but also to prove to all of his offseason critics that he is well worth the money he was paid.
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