On the cusp of the Steelers’ record, Cam Heyward isn’t lowering his standards

When Cam Heyward takes the field against the New York Giants on Monday night, he will set a record that surpasses any other defensive player in Pittsburgh Steelers history. It marks game #202 with the team breaking the tie with S Donnie Shell for the majority by a member of the Steelers defense.

As simple as it may be, Heyward isn’t resting on his laurels.

“I don’t take being in this locker room lightly,” Heyward told the team’s website after practice. “Wearing the Steeler jersey always means respect. But wearing it more than 200 times and being around people like Donnie Shell and others, I’m always grateful to be a part of it.”

This also ranks fourth in all-time Steeler games in history, trailing only legendary names like QB Ben Roethlisberger (249), C Mike Webster (220) and WR Hines Ward (217).

Even as the team’s first-round pick in 2011, Heyward exceeded all expectations. He is one of the greatest defensive players in history and arguably the franchise’s second-best lineman, behind only Joe Greene, whose career was cut short due to a shoulder injury.

Despite questions about his longevity, Heyward has turned back the clock and allayed concerns about his injury-hit 2023 season. He was one of the best interior defenders in an NFL full of such players. He is second on the team with 3 sacks this season and is tied with TJ Watt for a team-high 15 pressures.

Heyward can appreciate the record, but his focus is on the New York Giants.

“It still means I have to produce and I want to hold up my end of the deal.”

In the final years of his career, the only part of Heyward’s resume that is flimsy is his playoff portion. He is just 1-7 in the postseason and hasn’t won a postseason in 9 years. It’s not just him, but Pittsburgh’s defense has struggled in the playoffs, scoring at least 30 points in its last five games. All ended in defeat.

Heyward is part of the exclusive “200 Club” for games in Pittsburgh history. He wants what everyone else has: a Super Bowl ring.