The Steelers are honoring their legends. Cam Heyward’s name comes on top of it. He has represented the Black & the Gold all his career. After winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2023, the defensive tackle has made a strong case for himself. Now, former legends are also backing him.

Ryan Clark, former NFL safety, tweeted in praise of the Steelers DT that read, “Why is Cam Heyward still so dang good? Gonna be in the Hall of Fame discussions!” Though fans are excited at such an endorsement by the legend, his records are also massive, taking everyone by surprise.

The DT has played more games for the franchise than one of their most famous legends, Terry Bradshaw. While the former QB played 168 games, Cam Heyward has marched ahead of him with 194 games and counting. That’s a pleasant surprise.

It would go up more. In September 2024, he signed a contract extension worth $45 million with the Steelers. In this season alone, the defensive tackle has 35 tackles (15 solo) with 5 sacks. The team has benefitted from his excellent performance.

Other than this, Heyward has played 202 games, which tied him with Donnie Shell, another Hall of Famer, for playing most games by a defensive player. In his 14th season, he is equally effective. The head coach Mike Tomlin also praised the DT for his longevity. “I can’t say enough about the contributions of Cam Heyward,” were Tomlin’s words way back in 2017. Seven years forward, he has increased his stature in everything.

But there are haters too. Some say he has never won anything big in his life.

Cam Heyward’s criticism for not winning a Super Bowl ever

There are two sides of a coin. Many fans are there who want him to be given the top honor, while there are many who believe he doesn’t. There is a criticism of his HoF contention. And it is a very valid one.

Cam Heyward has played no Super Bowl. So, the lack of a Super Bowl Trophy is an enormous block on his road to greatness. In 7 out of 13 seasons, he has played in the NFL, the defensive tackle has played in the playoffs but never advanced to the big final. Can Russell Wilson put an end to it?

The Steelers also understand the scarcity of a Lombardi Trophy at their franchise. Having high hopes, they have brought the veteran quarterback to the roster. It would help him to achieve that one thing which has been missing.

The Steeler Nation wants only one thing. Their team to bring the Trophy to the city. That has been their lifelong dream. It’s 15 long years., They last won it in 2008. If Cam Heyward wants a HoF spot, a Trophy could be his guarantee.