The old saying that Father Time is undefeated is popular for a reason. No matter how smart, physically gifted, or hardworking you are, time eventually erodes everything. I am sure that Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive lineman Cam Heyward knows that, but it hasn't stopped him from defying the aging curve entering his age-36 season.
Heyward has been one of the NFL's best players over the last decade, and last season was arguably one of his best. Despite the incredible performance at his advanced age (by NFL standards, at least), ESPN's Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder left the four-time All-Pro off their NFL All Quarter Century Team list.
Three defensive tackles were chosen, with Aaron Donald, Calais Campbell, and Chris Jones making the cut. Heyward did make their honorable mentions, alongside former Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams.
While all three of the players who made their team are deserving, Heyward responded with a short but classic rebuttal.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Cam Heyward seems motivated by Quarter Century Team omission
In classic Cam Heyward fashion, the Steelers star took to X to respond to his snub from the list.
Practice squad? Bet
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) June 18, 2025
Heyward only made the list on Schatz and Walder's "Practice Squad", essentially the honorable mentions section of the team. While making a list like this in any capacity is a testament to a player's ability, he has every right to use this as motivation.
Fellow Steelers' stalwart T.J. Watt also was omitted from the main team, settling for a practice squad spot as well. For both of this current roster's best players to get snubbed is hard to believe, but there have been a ton of talented players at edge rusher and interior defender this century.
Sticking to Heyward, his case to be in ahead of both Calais Campbell and Chris Jones is easy to make. He has more All-Pro nods than Campbell, and he is a much better run defender than Jones while still being a force as a pass rusher. Donald is in a whole different tier, but Heyward is clearly in the mix behind him as the best of this generation.
Knowing how he ticks, I expect the seven-time Pro Bowler to use this slight to keep defying Father Time in 2025.