The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in the headlines ever since Mike Tomlin elected to step away from coaching. This, of course, came less than 24 hours after the team once again fell short in the playoffs. Tomlin’s departure left a major void in the organization, which quickly decided to hire 62-year-old Mike McCarthy as the new head coach. The decision instantly shifted the spotlight onto the team’s veteran players, most notably 36-year-old defensive lineman Cam Heyward, whose future with the team now seems more uncertain than ever.
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Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin blows fans a kiss while walking off the field with Cam Heyward.
Heyward has long expressed his deep admiration for Tomlin, and his loyalty to the former coach was well known both inside and outside the locker room. Rumors had even circulated about Heyward potentially playing elsewhere while Tomlin was still leading the team. With Tomlin gone, those whispers have resurfaced, leaving many Steelers fans questioning whether Heyward will continue his career in Pittsburgh or explore new opportunities elsewhere. The veteran’s reaction to McCarthy’s hiring has added fuel to the speculation.
Steelers insider Brian Batko commented on the situation, noting that he found Heyward’s reaction to the McCarthy hire somewhat unusual. While Heyward has always been professional and committed, his response seemed more guarded than expected, sparking curiosity about how he will fit into McCarthy’s system. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Heyward, with fans and analysts alike waiting to see whether he will remain a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense or consider moving on from the team he has long called home.
“All I know on that front is on his podcast last week, Cam Heyward barely mentioned the Steelers hiring Mike McCarthy, let alone analyze or praise it in any way,” Batko said. “That struck me as a bit odd.”
Heyward went on his podcast, Not Just Football, following the news of McCarthy being hired. However, many listeners pointed out the same thing that Batko noticed: Heyward didn’t really mention McCarthy at all, nor did he offer his usual insights.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward sips on some water as he watches the defense practice during his hold-in at 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
For example, when the Steelers were involved in the Aaron Rodgers saga ahead of the 2025 season, Heyward was very vocal, sharing his opinions, feedback, and analysis. The absence of any mention of the new regime in Pittsburgh is something Batko views as particularly telling.
Over the last two seasons, Heyward has faced plenty of doubters, both inside the Steelers organization and among football fans. Many questioned whether he still had it in him, whether age was finally catching up with him, and whether he could still be the dominant force on the defensive line that he has been for over a decade.
However, Heyward answered all those questions in spectacular fashion. Against all odds, he turned in back-to-back elite seasons in 2024 and 2025, showing that Father Time was not ready to claim him just yet. His performance was a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and sheer skill, reminding everyone why he has been a cornerstone of this team for so long.
Steelers Fans Not Sure Of Cam Heyward’s Role Moving Forward
Now, at 36, the questions return, but they are different this time. With Tomlin no longer in the picture, what does the future hold for Heyward? Will he stick around in Pittsburgh to finish out his career, or could we see him hanging up his cleats sooner than expected? The Steelers are entering a new era under McCarthy, and Heyward’s role in that era remains uncertain.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Steelers’ Cam Heyward and TJ Watt run while getting warmed up for practice.
Fans, analysts, and teammates alike are watching closely, knowing that whatever happens, Heyward has already cemented his legacy in Pittsburgh and the NFL will feel his absence if he decides to move on.
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