Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward is 36 years old and will be 37 for the entire 2026 NFL season. Most players at his age slow down in their mid to late 30s. Heyward continues to defy all logic set by Father Time.
In his 15th NFL season, all with the Steelers, Heyward was voted a Second-Team All-Pro. Last year, Heyward was a First Team All-Pro and earned 13th in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Aaron Donald retired at 32. Interior defensive lineman isn’t a position that favors aging
gracefully. Heyward has shown no signs of slowing down. Heyward is in the Bay Area for Super Bowl LX and appeared on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Tuesday, addressing why, going into what would be his 16th NFL season, he wants to return to the Steelers.
“One is to win a Super Bowl,” Heyward said. “Having the opportunity, that’s why you play this game. Two, I think it’s just installing my legacy further,” Heyward said. “I feel like I still have more work to do on the field and off the field. To continue to teach the younger guys, learn from them, and continue to keep growing.”
In 15 years, Heyward has only won one playoff game. The Steelers have lost seven playoff matchups in a row and haven’t won a playoff game in nine years. 2026 would be the first time Heyward suits up for the Steelers without longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, who stepped down after 19 seasons.
The longest-tenured Steeler wants to continue working with young players and further be remembered as a face of the Steelers franchise. Heyward is under contract for one more year and could enter into another contract discussion with the Steelers this offseason, if he wants to play longer.
