Cam Heyward Praises Third-Year LB as Steelers’ Next T.J. Watt
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If there's one voice in the Steelers locker room that carries weight, it's Cam Heyward’s. And this week, the longtime defensive captain didn’t hold back his praise when talking about one young linebacker lighting up Training Camp.
“He’s everywhere,” Heyward said with a grin. “Plays like he’s been in the league for years. The way he moves, the way he attacks — it reminds me a lot of someone we all know.”
Heyward didn’t say it lightly. The comparison? None other than T.J. Watt, the franchise cornerstone and former Defensive Player of the Year.
“Honestly, it feels like I’m watching the early days of T.J. all over again,” Heyward added.
“He’s locked in. He’s relentless. If he keeps this up, he’s going to be a real problem for offenses.”
Coaches have taken notice too, rotating the linebacker into multiple packages and giving him reps with the starters — not out of courtesy, but because he’s earning it every day. Whether it’s stuffing the run, dropping in coverage, or crashing the pocket, his versatility has added real juice to the linebacker room.
It’s rare for veterans like Heyward to make bold comparisons during camp. But when they do, the message is clear: this isn’t hype — it’s the real thing.
That rising third-year linebacker?
Nick Herbig.
