Steelers Cam Heyward Makes 1 Thing Clear About His Potential Retirement

Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Tackle Cam Heyward just wrapped up his 12th season in the black and gold. While his contract has him in Pittsburgh through 2024, there are always concerns once a player starts to hit double-digit years in their tenure. For example, JJ Watt just retired after playing 12 seasons, and he looked like he had a few more left in the tank. Watt wanted to go out on a high note and not because his play was declining. While we might lament it as fans, we can certainly understand it.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 19: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on December 19, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Worrying about Heyward hanging up his cleats has fans all over Pittsburgh reading too much into every comment out of his mouth, trying to determine if he will return next season. Recently Heyward kicked the Steelers' hornet's nest.

"You never know if they want me back or not. I say it every year. I would like to be back but you never know. There is the business side of things. NFL, not for long. I want to be back. I would like to be a Steeler but you don't know what's going on in the future."

When Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked to address Heyward's comments he downplayed it.

"Cam is the same type of guy that will put a tape job with his last name on the front of his helmet in a training camp-like setting. That's what makes him who he is," Tomlin said. "He takes none of this for granted, and that's just an expression of that. Just like when he puts his last name on his helmet in a training camp-like setting. He is special because he has a special approach, because he is legitimately humble and hardworking, and he takes none of this for granted, so that's probably what that was."

Steelers Cam Heyward Says "My Job Is Not Done"

Heyward and his friend Hayden Walsh film a podcast on the NFL on ESPN YouTube Channel called, Not Just Football With Cam Heyward. On the most recent episode, Walsh asked him to address his previous comments and set the record straight for fans. Heyward said that he understands this is a business and that he wants to be back, but you never know what's going on in the future.

"I don't think I'm retiring right now, it's just damn, I gotta get my body time to rest. I don't ever want to shortchange this. That's one thing I'll never do, when I do something I put my whole heart into it. But I have to do what's best for me, I have to do what's best for my family, I have to see if I can play up to a standard that they want as well. I want to keep playing. I want to continue to be a Pittsburgh Steeler."

Credit: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers

He went on to acknowledge that just because you want something doesn't mean it is going to happen. He said he remembers other players that he thought were coming back and then they retired. Heyward also said again that this is a two-way street.

"Shoot the Steelers gotta want me back too. I don't want to take that for granted."

Heyward also implied that there is some superstition or realistic outlook to it. That as a player you don't want to start guaranteeing you will return and then out of the blue you are a June or a July cut. He also said one of the hardest things each season is the turnover.

"We appreciate those moments because you don't know if you guys are ever going to be in the same jersey together. Next year, I look around that room, and because there's so much turnover, there is a draft, the guys retire, guys get traded, this team will never look the same. I will never take that for granted because I love every guy in that locker room. It is a pleasure to go to work with those guys, those guys make football fun and they are part of the reason why I keep playing."

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Chris Wormley (95) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia/ Pittsburgh Steelers)

The Steelers defense came a long way this season and Heyward was a huge part of that. He recorded 10.5 sacks which was a career-high. Here's to hoping we see #97 playing for the good guys again next season.

How many more seasons do you think Heyward has? How do you grade his performance during his 12th season? Comment below.

#SteelerNation