![Steelers Impressive All-Pro Cam Heyward Reiterates Frustration with ESPN's Top 10 DT list: "I think [Aaron Donald]'s 1a and I think I'm 1a" (Steelers News)](/img/legacy/image0-1600x900.webp)
On Thursday, Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle and team leader, Cam Heyward released the first episode of his brand new podcast, Not Just Football (by way of ESPN) with co-host Hayden Walsh. Heyward joins the "New Media," simply because, "I don't need the media to be critical of me, because I'm critical of myself," Heyward stated on the show with a laugh and a smile.
Heyward and Walsh are looking to be true to their title by discussing many different topics on the show like football, basketball, college sports, video games, and more. During Thursday's episode, the two discussed the Steelers' QB competition, QB Kenny Pickett's hand size, and the hot topic of the week, Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers defensive tackle, Cam Heyward (#97) celebrates with head coach, Mike Tomlin, after their 39-38 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, December 10, 2017, at Heinz Field. | Christopher Horner / Tribune-Review
Another topic of conversation on the show was ESPN's Top 10 defensive tackle list that was conjured up by 50 surveyed NFL executives, coaches, scouts and players. Heyward voiced his frustration and confusion with the list again and rightfully so, due to the disrespect that was implied with his spot on the list.
Walsh brought up the list and Heyward jokingly said, "No, I haven't seen those!"
Heyward began by giving props to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, whose name was on the byline of the article, but apparently had nothing to do with Heyward's ranking. He also stated that he appreciates his peers, he appreciates the players he gets to play with, and he gave them props for being great players. With that said, Heyward still voiced his frustration:
"Dang, like I just came off a heck of a year and I went back?" Heyward questioned the integrity of the list. "That seems very confusing to me and you know, I'm looking through it, AD's [Aaron Donald] first, Jeffrey Simmons is second, he was out of the top 10 last year, Chris Jones is third, he was second last year, DeForest Buckner, he was three last year, and then I'm 5. So, I dropped out, but then I had a better year before.And then I look at this, and they say, 'look at his numbers and watch him, there's no decline at all.' If there's no decline at all, how the hell did I drop?"
Walsh interjected and said, "It's got to be age, right? That's got to be what it is."
"But to your point, if it's age, why didn't AD drop?" Heyward questioned Walsh.
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers embraces Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams after the Steelers' 17-12 win over the Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
On if Donald is the clear number 1 at the defensive tackle position, Heyward clarified:
"I think he's 1a and I think I'm 1a," Heyward reiterated his point. "For me, personally, I think I'm at the top of my game and I'm a complete player. And that's not a slight at everybody else, but when I step on that field, I feel like I'm the top guy at my position. Aaron Donald is a great player and he is a heck of a player, but it's what you want, it's pick your poison. I've said that to multiple people this off-season and that's how I feel."
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle, Cam Heyward (#97), takes down former New England Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady (#12), in a Week 15 matchup at the formally known, Heinz Field (now Acrisure Stadium). | Antonella Crescimbeni / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Heyward has the right for a discussion with the folks over at ESPN about the list, that's for sure! He's right, it's him and Donald in the discussion for the league's top defensive tackle and then everybody else behind those two!
Watch the entire episode below!
What are yinz thoughts on Heyward's first episode of Not Just Football? Do you agree that he was slighted on the ESPN top 10 list? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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