With 14 seasons under his belt, Cam Heyward has become the heart and soul of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense. Since joining in 2011, he’s amassed an impressive career, including seven Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors.
Despite all of the big hits, sacks, and highlight reel moments, there’s one play that stands out to him the most, and it’s not the one most fans expect.
Cam Heyward Shares His Favorite Play of His Career, and It’s Not Sacking Tom Brady
One could assume that a sack on one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, Tom Brady, would be near the top of the list. Heyward acknowledged that sacking Brady was “probably one of the coolest” moments of his career, but another moment holds much more significance.
“You can say sacking Brady was probably one of the coolest ones, but also there’s one that warms my heart a little bit more than that,” Heyward said.
The veteran defensive tackle discussed his greatest play, a rare interception against former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, in the latest edition of “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward.”
Snagging a pick was already a remarkable accomplishment for a player who has built a career by stuffing the run and collapsing the pocket.
However, what stands out for Heyward is what happened later: Fields would join him as a teammate in Pittsburgh in 2024.
“It’s when I picked off Justin Fields, and then he became a teammate. I think just having that to be able to throw a little bit of salt on the wound just plays a little bit better.”
Heyward Favorite Play Carries Deep, Justin Fields Leaves Pittsburgh
When Fields entered the Steelers’ facilities in 2024 as a newly acquired quarterback, the play took on additional meaning. During their brief season together, Fields started six games and guided the team to a 4-2 record before being benched in favor of veteran Russell Wilson.
The two were respectful to one another despite their short stay together. However, for Heyward, that interception turned into a constant inside joke he could occasionally bring up to get a response.
Following the 2024 season, Fields would sign a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Jets. But for Heyward, the memory remained, a perfect fusion of humor, technique, and timing condensed into one instant.
The play is unique considering Heyward has only made two interceptions in his lengthy career. He will always have the connection, the turn of events, and the lighthearted jab in his back pocket.
