The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their playoff matchup against the Houston Texans, and one defensive player they will heavily rely on is longtime defensive tackle Cam Heyward.
Heyward was named to the Associated Press 2025 NFL All-Pro Team, earning second-team honors, according to Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press.
The 36-year-old captain was the only Steelers player selected to the 2025 Associated Press All-Pro Team.
“Cam Heyward earns a second-team All-Pro nod. At 36 years old, Heyward is playing some of the best ball of his career — six passes defensed, one forced fumble, nine tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks this season,” wrote Brooke Pryor of ESPN.
Heyward has continued to be a strong force on the Steelers’ defensive front, even in his 15th season. When it comes to Heyward, it seems that age is just a number.
“According to PFF, Heyward is the only interior defender to ‘earn a 90.0-plus PFF grade this season and the only player at the position to post PFF grades above 80.0 as both a pass-rusher and a run defender,” wrote Teresa Varley of Steelers.com.
This is not the first time Heyward has made the AP All-Pro team, as he has earned first-team honors four times, amplifying what has been an amazing career.
“Heyward has made the AP All-Pro team for the sixth time in his career, including first-team a total of four times and second-team now twice. He and Hall of Famer Joe Greene are the only interior defensive linemen in Steelers history to be voted First-Team AP All-Pro four times,” wrote Varley.
GettySteelers captain Cam Heyward.
Coach, Teammate Discuss Heyward
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin knows exactly what kind of player the Steelers have in Cam Heyward.
Austin said, “He’s played well all year. He’s always been, as we all know, really good against the run,” according to Varley.
“But you watch in terms of his effort and his leadership and all that stuff, it’s just top notch. And when you get into thick moments like that, when you get into games where every snap is counting, a win-or-go-home moment, you like those guys to be out in front. And he was right out front,” Austin said.
Rookie linebacker Jack Sawyer gave Heyward recognition for what he has meant to the team’s success.
Sawyer said, “When you see him come in here every day, and the way he carries himself, he’s always in a good mood, he’s happy, he’s smiling, and he is having fun. Like he’s a rookie again, and he’s 36-years old, Year 15 or whatever. It’s exceptional. He’s a rare guy, especially playing inside in the NFL is not an easy job to do and being able to do it for that long at this level is unreal,” according to Varley.
GettyHeyward is known for his strong leadership.
Interior Defensive Line All-Pro Selections
For the interior defensive lineman category, Heyward earned second-team honors along with Leonard Williams of the Seattle Seahawks.
The first-team interior defensive linemen included Jeffery Simmons of the Tennessee Titans and Zach Allen of the Denver Broncos.
Although Heyward was not selected for first-team honors, being voted to the second team is an impressive achievement for the Steelers legend.
GettyThe Steelers will host the Texans on Monday night in the first round of the playoffs.
Steelers Captain Earns AP All-Pro Honors