11-time captain, 2nd in sacks Heyward 18th best Steelers draft pick

Cam Heyward franchise leader in tackles for loss, 2nd in games played

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:10pm

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Cam Heyward, a first-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011, has cemented his legacy as one of the team's all-time great defensive players. Heyward ranks second in Steelers history in sacks (92) and quarterback hits (208), and is the franchise leader in tackles for loss (142). He has also played in the second-most games (228) in team history, earning 6 All-Pro selections and being ranked as the best defensive lineman in the NFL by Pro Football Focus in 2024 at age 35.

Why it matters

Heyward's sustained excellence and leadership over the past decade have been crucial to the Steelers' defensive success. As the team prepares to host the NFL Draft for the first time, Heyward's inclusion as the 18th best Steelers draft pick since 1969 highlights the organization's ability to identify and develop elite defensive talent through the draft.

The details

Heyward was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the league, leading the Steelers in tackles for loss (142) and ranking second in sacks (92) and quarterback hits (208). Heyward has also played in the second-most games (228) in Steelers history, trailing only Hall of Famer Maurkice Pouncey.

  • Heyward was drafted by the Steelers in the 1st round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

The players

Cam Heyward

A first-round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2011 out of Ohio State, Cam Heyward has become one of the franchise's all-time great defensive players. He is the Steelers' all-time leader in tackles for loss (142) and ranks second in sacks (92), quarterback hits (208), and games played (228).

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The takeaway

Cam Heyward's inclusion as the 18th best Steelers draft pick since 1969 is a testament to his sustained excellence and leadership on the team's defense over the past decade. As Pittsburgh prepares to host the NFL Draft for the first time, Heyward's story highlights the organization's ability to identify and develop elite defensive talent through the draft.