Steelers Now
Cam Heyward is 37. Only Ben Roethlisberger has played more games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the franchise’s history. Yet, it’s hard to argue that, even heading into his 16th NFL season, Heyward isn’t the best defensive lineman on his team.
Ex-NFL head coach Jon Gruden asked Heyward the key to his long-sustained success recently.
“I think, one, you’ve gotta be intentional about your technique, constantly working on it,” Heyward said Wednesday on the “Not Just Football” podcast. “Understanding what I need to get ready for a game, and then also I do a lot of film study, just trying to make sure I can predict where more plays are going than anything. And then just taking care of your body year-round. I think it’s what you put in your body, really starting the recovery process Sunday night or Monday morning.”
Heyward had 78 total tackles last season and added 3.5 sacks, six passes defended and a forced fumble, earning him second-team Associated Press All-Pro honors. He’ll lead a group that also includes Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Yahya Black this upcoming go-round.
Heyward shared another tip to wrecking offenses’ plans with Gruden.
“Just staying lower,” Heyward said. “I don’t think we really preach that enough in our game anymore, about staying low in your position. Everybody thinks you can just get high and swim a guy, but if you have good technique and you could control blockers, you can kick a whole lot of ass.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Mainstay Cam Heyward Finally Reveals Secret to Longevity
