The Pittsburgh Steelers were once one of the most feared teams in the National Football League. Unfortunately, over the last decade, they haven't lived up to that standard, the standard which Mike Tomlin loves to go by. The Steelers have numerous star defenders that have played at Hall of Fame levels throughout their times as members of the Steelers' organization, but according to Cam Heyward, team success is what players get measured by. Pittsburgh hasn't even come close to reaching the ultimate goal in recent years, but Heyward is still confident in Tomlin and the rest of the team.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' Mike Tomlin and Cam Heyward ahead of a 2024 clash with the Baltimore Ravens.
Last season, the Steelers reached the highest point of confidence that the franchise had seen in years as they reached a 10-3 record. With a two-game lead in the AFC North, it was looking like the Steelers had a very high possibility of hosting their first home playoff game since the 2020 season. As Tomlin and Heyward's Steelers closed out the regular season on four straight losses, reality quickly settled in for the Steel City. The Steelers were actually a lot further away from making a Super Bowl push than many were hoping, and that still remains true.
Over two months since their first round playoff exit, the Steelers don't even have their starting quarterback yet for 2025, and the front-runner leading the race among the possible candidates is a 41 year-old in Aaron Rodgers. Despite all of the concerns surrounding a spiraling franchise, Heyward refuses to let that affect his confidence.
In a recent interview on The Pivot, former Steelers safety Ryan Clark asked Heyward if he believes Pittsburgh has the right people to accomplish the ultimate goal, which is winning a Super Bowl.
"I do. You know, I don't shy away from that. Like, one, we didn't reach our goals, but players can get better," Heyward told Clark and the rest of the crew. "I can be better. If I don't think that, like, I need to get out of this game, because I'm a competitor. You can't tell me I can't get in that door."
Heyward is a future Hall of Fame player that instills a ton of confidence and competitiveness. His explanation on why he believes in this current group in Pittsburgh continues with names of guys who have bright futures.
"I don't know what happens with our situations and that's why coaches and general managers get paid, but man, we have a group and we have a lot of guys that grew. Guys like Calvin Austin III grew. Guys like Joey Porter Jr is gonna continue to grow. Cory Trice Jr stepped in. You bring in a guy like Patrick Queen who was in a different system, you bring him into that, I think he can get better. I think our d-line could be better, I think it's just our executions got to pick up. I'm gonna challenge that, I'm not going to run from that, but the men in the room can get it done."
The Steelers have been unable to even win a single playoff game over the last eight seasons, but still, Heyward remains optimistic in himself and the Steelers as his final years in the league approach.
Aaron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers DT Cam Heyward running out before the 2024 home opener against the Chargers.
Heyward's 2024 campaign was a surprise to many fans with how well he played. He received NFL AP First Team All-Pro honors. After a 2023 season riddled with injuries and struggles, many fans were concerned if he was going to hang it up. His 2024 season wound up being a total success as he had one of his best years and ultimately was the team's best defender. There aren't many players around the NFL that deserve a championship more than Heyward.
Steelers Must Draft Defensive Line Help For Cam Heyward
The defensive line completely shut down at the end of last season, and adding depth behind Heyward is very crucial. The Steelers are expected to take a defensive lineman early in the upcoming NFL Draft, and it wouldn't hurt to grab multiple if they are able. The Steelers must find a young star that can learn from Heyward, for however much longer he decides to play for, and also end up taking over for him when he retires.
Phil Ellsworth / ESPN
The Pittsburgh Steelers will keep all eyes on Michigan Wolverines' Kenneth Grant before the 2025 NFL Draft.
The defensive line class for 2024 is more talented than most typical groups, so the Steelers have multiple great options to choose from in April.
What do you think about Heyward's thoughts? Does this Steelers team actually have a real shot at winning a Super Bowl? Let us know in the comments below.
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