Pittsburgh Steelers defensive team captain and unquestioned leader, Cam Heyward recently joined the 3 And Out with John Middlekauff podcast. Middlekauff is a former NFL scout who is now an analyst and radio host. Heyward recently started his own podcast, Not Just Football, and exhibited his growing broadcast skills during the appearance. Middlekauff turned the discussion towards the Steelers' highest paid player, T.J. Watt.
"You’re spending time with your defensive linemen and T.J.’s just standing there," Middlekauf observes. "Obviously, it’s the elephant in the room. What is that like?"
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, T.J. Watt celebrates after recording a sack against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, November 19, 2019, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. | PETER DIANA/POST-GAZETTE
Watt and Heyward have formed a dynamic duo almost since day one that the reigning Defensive Player of The Year stepped onto the field. The former Wisconsin Badgers product leads by example on the football field and his workmanlike approach impresses without usurping Heyward as the voice of the defense. Heyward responded:
“T.J. did a great job of being professional about it. Everything takes its course. But that didn't stop him from training. It may have looked like he was standing on the sideline, but the dude was doing pass rush drills by himself, running on the sideline, making sure he was in good shape because he didn't want it to be detrimental to the team, and I commend him for that.”
Despite his best efforts, Watt may have been in football shape Week 1 last year, but he was not ready to run his engine at the previous red line he had established. Watt quickly worked his way up to his own lofty standard and despite the hold-in, had his best season as a professional. The NFL is first and foremost a business and Heyward acknowledges that hold-ins are the new norm in the league, even in Pittsburgh.
“Yeah, I think going forward now, you got to show your face. I think even from the Steelers' perspective, they have always been like, at least show up so we can get eyes on you. I think that's just like, they want to invest in you or invest in a product. You want to see the product. It's hard, but that's got to be the new thing.”
Peter Diana / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
During Organized Team Activities (OTA’s), the Steelers defense again faced a hold-in from Minkah Fitzpatrick and they seemed to learn the lesson from Watt’s situation in 2021. Omar Khan struck a deal prior to training camp so that Fitzpatrick would be at his peak level in Week 1 of a pivotal 2022 season. Middlekauff asked Heyward:
"Did T.J. really barge into [Art] Rooney’s office and do the deal himself at the end? Or is that story that took on a life of its own?"
According to Adam Schefter just prior to the 2021 season, he reported the following on his Twitter account:
Steelers’ OLB T.J. Watt overruled his agents who believed they could get more money today, marched into the office of Steelers president Art Rooney and told him they had a deal. Then the NFL’s new highest-paid defensive player excused himself and announced he had to go work out.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2021
The story at the time became the stuff of a Pittsburgh legend’s lore. However, based on the usually reliable Schefter’s 2021 run of questionable tweets and reporting, Middlekauff tries to confirm the legend is fact with Heyward.
“I don't know. I don't know if he barged in. I know you probably had to clear it with Mr. Rooney's secretary or something, but I don't know. It might have taken on a different story. But man, it will be revered as one of those legends that happened where T.J. was like, get the deal done. Let's get it signed.”
What happens in an NFL locker room stays in an NFL locker room usually, and it is hard to believe based on the relationship between Watt and Heyward that he doesn’t know the details. But as the leader of the Steelers, he reveals just enough to confirm that if number 90 does not share what happened in the room, that Heyward may spill the beans after his playing days are done. Although, Watt’s gregarious brother J.J. Watt might beat him to it on a future appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
Heyward is entering his 11th season for the Steelers and the former Ohio State Buckeyes star is under contract through the 2024 season. Pittsburgh is firmly in the rookie quarterback contract window, and if Heyward leads the defense back to elite levels, this may be the best chance to earn a Super Bowl berth in a decade. His steady leadership and understanding of today’s NFL players are refreshing and should serve the Steelers well as their young talent comes to the end of their rookie contracts.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is Cam Heyward the ideal leader for the Steelers of the 21st century? An old school veteran on the field and a savvy leader of men off it. Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
