The Pittsburgh Steelers needed to see their defense start to play better, and they have done just that. While this defense, led by superstars TJ Watt and Cam Heyward, still has work to do, they have begun to slowly stop the bleeding and correct some of the mistakes that plagued them earlier in the season. The adjustments and discipline shown over the past few games indicate that this unit is starting to live up to the high expectations placed on them.
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Steelers' Cam Heyward busts through the offensive line to meet Bengals RB Chase Brown in the backfield during the 2024 NFL season.
Back during the 2024 season, Heyward shocked many Steelers fans and football observers alike by earning All-Pro honors at the age of 35, an incredibly rare and telling feat in today’s NFL. His ability to perform at an elite level despite the physical toll of years in the league has cemented his reputation as one of the game’s most dominant and durable defensive forces. Heyward continues to serve not only as a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense but also as a mentor and leader for the younger players on the roster.
#Bengals RB Chase Brown once got hit so hard by #Steelers DT Cam Heyward that his necklace was INDENTED into his neck when he got back up. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/dfYmdFROVY
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 20, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown spoke with Jordan Schultz and Draymond Green on their podcast on Thursday, revealing just how painful it can be to get hit by Heyward. Brown’s candid remarks provided a glimpse into the physicality and intimidation factor Heyward brings to the field every week. It is one thing to watch highlight reels, but hearing firsthand from an opponent underscores just how impactful Heyward remains even in the later stages of his remarkable career.
"Probably the hardest l've ever been hit in my career," Brown said while speaking with NFL insider Jordan Schultz and NBA champion Draymond Green on their podcast that showed a clip of the play. "I was wearing a necklace. The necklace was stamped on my neck after I got hit. It was indented in my neck."
Brown detailed how he still remembers his necklace being slammed into his neck after being met by Heyward in the backfield. He described the moment as intense and jarring.
Not Just Football with Cam Heyward
Steelers' Cam Heyward speaks on his podcast Not Just Football with co-host Hayden Walsh about his hit on Bengals' running back Chase Brown during the 2024 NFL season.
Brown continued to explain just how hard the hit truly was from Heyward. The running back admitted it was a hit that left a lasting impression on him.
"That's the hardest I've been hit, for sure," Brown said.
Heyward’s ability to dominate at this stage of his career is nothing short of remarkable. Even players like Brown, who face him head-on, walk away with a newfound respect for his strength and technique.
Steelers' Cam Heyward Continues To Defy The Odds Of Father Time
It is clear that Heyward is still one of the defining forces on the Steelers’ defense, the kind of player who can change the course of a game with a single play.
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Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward (97) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
His leadership extends beyond the field, inspiring younger teammates to elevate their own performance. Heyward has also played a big role in helping defensive linemen Keeanu Benton develop into a beast. As the season moves forward, Steeler Nation can continue to rely on Heyward to set the tone, deliver punishing hits, and show that elite-level football is not bound by age.
Steeler Nation, watching Cam Heyward continue to dominate and deliver bone-crushing hits season after season has been incredible, but how many more years do you realistically think he can maintain this elite level of play before age and wear finally start to slow him down Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
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