Steelers’ Cam Heyward Needs One More Accolade To Build Legitimate Hall Of Fame Case

The Pittsburgh Steelers struck gold when they drafted Cam Heyward in the first round (31st overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. Over his impressive 13-season tenure with the team, Heyward has notched an impressive array of achievements, boasting six Pro Bowl appearances and three All-Pro selections. 

With a career tally of 80.5 sacks and 647 combined tackles, including 404 solo tackles, Heyward's on-field prowess is undeniable. Yet, his impact extends beyond statistics, earning him recognition such as the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for the 2023 season.

Despite Heyward's stellar resume, the debate surrounding his Hall of Fame candidacy is not as straightforward as one might expect. History has shown that even standout Steelers players like Hines Ward face an uphill battle in securing a spot in Canton, as voters adhere to stringent criteria. The lingering question remains: will Heyward encounter similar resistance?

Brian Batko, a respected reporter covering the Steelers for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently weighed in on the matter during one of his chats. His insights shed light on what it might take to ensure Heyward's enshrinement in the Hall of Fame once he hangs up his cleats for the Steelers.

“Numbers-wise, Cam Heyward already compares favorably to a guy like former Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour, who made it to Canton last year after retiring in 2012. But voters tend to view candidates through the prism of career accolades and winning, too. Heyward’s case will be a lot stronger with another All-Pro nod, First or Second Team. And, of course, a Super Bowl would check a major box for him. Short of that, he’ll be on the fringes.”

Batko draws a comparison between Heyward, and Richard Seymour, who played for the New England Patriots and was inducted into the Hall of Fame recently. Batko believes Seymour is the most comparable defensive lineman who has achieved Hall of Fame status. As of now, Batko sees a clear case for Heyward's potential induction, though it's not as robust as it could be.

Speculation arose about Heyward's retirement after the 2023 season. He had hinted at it and battled through an injury, which impacted his production. However, Heyward's intentions became evident after the season—he expressed a desire to continue playing and will indeed suit up for the Steelers in 2024. Some believe 2024 could be his final season in Pittsburgh. While there's talk of Heyward restructuring his contract to aid the organization, he has shown resistance to such suggestions.

Steelers’ Cam Heyward Lacking Playoff Success On His Resume

While it's tempting to point fingers, the reality is that Heyward shoulders minimal blame, if any, for the Steelers' struggles. In fact, his contributions have been instrumental in the team's success during winning seasons.

Despite Heyward's pivotal role, postseason success has eluded him, with just one playoff victory in eight appearances, as per Stat Muse. However, the Steelers have embarked on a significant offseason overhaul to reverse their playoff fortunes.

The acquisitions of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at quarterback have injected fresh optimism into the team, igniting enthusiasm among seasoned leaders like Heyward and TJ Watt. Despite facing challenges from an underperforming offense, their resilience has kept the Steelers competitive.

As the upcoming season unfolds, there's hope that the tide will turn, offering Heyward the opportunity to cement his legacy and secure his place in Canton.