Steelers' Cam Heyward Seriously Gaining Momentum In Defensive Player Of The Year Race

The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base has been on an apology tour after witnessing the dominance of veteran star Cam Heyward in the 2024 season. After Heyward suffered a groin injury in the first game of the 2023 season, many assumed his decline in production signaled that he had lost a step. However, it’s now clear that Heyward was battling through an incredibly tough season, essentially playing on one leg while trying to contribute to the team. His perseverance through injury and subsequent offseason surgery set the stage for a remarkable comeback.

Following the 2023 season, Heyward made headlines by skipping Organized Team Activities for the first time in his career, a move sparked by his desire to get a new deal. Doubts about his ability to perform at a high level at this stage of his career fueled skepticism about giving him significant money. Yet Heyward's 2024 performances have silenced critics. His leadership and production on the field have reminded everyone why he’s been the heart and soul of Pittsburgh’s defense for years, making the skeptics eat their words.

Daniel Valente, known on social media as @StatsGuyDaniel, provided a staggering comparison that underscores Heyward's greatness. On Monday morning, Valente revealed that Heyward’s 2024 season mirrors JJ Watt’s legendary 2012 and 2014 campaigns—both of which earned Watt the Defensive Player of the Year Award. If Heyward continues at this pace, it’s not just redemption for him—it will also cement his legacy as one of the NFL’s all-time great defensive linemen.

Heyward is 35 years old, which, for a defensive lineman in the NFL, is considered the twilight stage of a career. For many players on the wrong side of 30, their best days are behind them. Yet, Heyward has defied the odds, not only maintaining his dominance, but seemingly getting even better.

While teammate TJ Watt is the clear favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year Award with -250 odds, Heyward is gaining momentum as a dark horse in the race, now sitting at +5000 odds. His remarkable play this season has made fans and analysts take notice.

Steelers' Cam Heyward Proving The Doubters Wrong In The 2024 Season

Heyward’s resurgence is fueled by a mix of determination and humor. During the 2024 offseason, he saved screenshots of fan criticisms and doubts, using them as motivation. Despite the skepticism, his performance at this stage of his career is nothing short of unprecedented. 

The questions surrounding Heyward’s Hall of Fame credentials have long been debated, but his stellar 2024 campaign is making a strong case for him to one day don the gold jacket. Few players have managed to dominate like this so late in their careers.

Heyward’s legacy in Pittsburgh is already cemented, but fans are eager to see him achieve postseason success. With the Steelers sitting at 10-3 and looking like legitimate Super Bowl contenders, 2024 could be the year Heyward adds a championship to his resume. 

If he continues his incredible form, he may not only elevate his Hall of Fame case, but also gain even more momentum in the Defensive Player of the Year race alongside TJ. This Steelers team is poised for greatness, and Heyward remains at the heart of it all.

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