Pittsburgh Steelers fans weren’t the kindest to veteran leader Cam Heyward in the 2024 offseason. Heyward was seeking a new deal from the team and expressed reluctance to play without it. He made the rare decision to sit out the start of Organized Team Activities, something he had never done in his career. However, it didn’t take long for Heyward to rejoin the team, prioritizing the Steelers’ success over his personal situation. That’s the kind of leader Heyward has always been.

Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Steelers’ Cam Heyward and Mike Tomlin walk off the field after a game.

Despite Heyward’s history of excellence, many fans began to question whether he still had anything left in the tank. The thought of offering a new deal to a 35-year-old defensive stalwart seemed risky to some. Critics believed the Steelers would be better off moving on from a player entering the twilight of his career, but Heyward wasn’t having any of it. He used the doubts of fans to fuel his drive, and it only added fire to his competitive spirit.

The result? Heyward delivered a dominant, All-Pro caliber season in 2024 that silenced his doubters. His resilience and performance proved that he still had plenty to offer the Steelers. By channeling the negativity into motivation, Heyward reminded everyone that, even at 35, he was one of the NFL’s fiercest forces on the field. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly sent out a post on social media asking for fans to apologize for doubting Heyward.

But, he thrives off of people saying he can't do something. So, in some weird way, you helped him achieve greatness, hahah

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) January 10, 2025

Kaboly quickly realized that the doubt from Steelers fans may have been exactly what fueled Heyward’s historic 2024 season. Heyward screenshotted all the negative comments from fans, and it’s likely one of the reasons he was so determined to prove himself. However, it wasn’t the only reason. Heyward is a future Hall of Famer, and he was destined for greatness regardless. The real takeaway here is that Steelers fans simply should have never doubted him in the first place.

Steelers’ Cameron Heyward with a sack on Raiders QB Aiden O’Connell.

Many fans noticed a slight regression in Heyward’s performance during the 2023 season, but that decline was hardly his fault. In the season opener, Heyward suffered a groin injury. Instead of taking extended time off, he pushed through, continuing to play that season despite being injured. He did miss some time but didn’t get surgery until after the season.

He described it as playing “on one leg,” yet he kept fighting for his team. He knew that with surgery, he would eventually regain his form, and that’s exactly what happened.

Steelers’ Cam Heyward Should Be A Hall Of Famer

Heyward’s resilience and commitment to the Steelers were on full display. The 2024 season was proof of his unwavering dedication and talent, even when the odds seemed stacked against him. His ability to bounce back and perform at such a high level demonstrated why he remains one of the league’s most respected and feared players.

Heyward’s 2024 season should firmly cement his spot in the Hall of Fame. With four All-Pro First Team selections, seven Pro Bowl appearances, ten years as a team captain, 88.5 sacks across 176 starts, and a Walter Payton Man of the Year title, Heyward’s accolades speak for themselves.

Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers’ Cam Heyward during the 2024 regular season finale.

His storied career, highlighted by consistent excellence, should be more than enough to earn him a place in Canton. Now, Steelers fans are hopeful that Heyward can help lead the team on a deep playoff run, further solidifying his legendary legacy in the Steel City.