The countdown to kickoff is almost over, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are locked in for a Week 1 clash with the New York Jets.
After a long offseason filled with tough decisions—cutting ties with once-promising quarterbacks, navigating a cryptic 2025 NFL Draft, and pulling off blockbuster offseason acquisitions—this team finally feels like it’s ready for battle.
Well, almost.
All eyes are on defensive captain Cameron Heyward, the 36-year-old anchor of Teryl Austin’s defense, whose future for Sunday remains slightly cloudy due to ongoing contract negotiations. Without him, the Steelers might be prepared.
But with him? They’re complete.
Heyward is more than a player—he’s a presence. A leader and mentor. A warrior who’s built a career on grit, toughness, and showing up when it matters most. While his age says one thing, his tape says another.
He’s seasoned—not old—and still capable of making game-changing plays in the trenches.
The only thing standing between him and Sunday’s kickoff is a demand for a new contract extension.
But on Wednesday, Steelers fans were given a glimmer of hope. Heyward returned to the practice field, and Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin didn’t shy away from the obvious when asked if No. 97 would suit up this weekend.
“Absolutely, he’s been practicing, so I’m anticipating him playing,” Austin told ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need Cameron Heyward on the field in Week 1 vs. Jets
Now, that’s not quite a firm guarantee—but it’s the clearest indication we’ve gotten so far. If Austin feels confident, then I do too.
Still, we can’t ignore the elephant in the room. Heyward’s desire for a new deal is real and, frankly, understandable. He’s a franchise legend who’s done everything the right way. Since signing a three-year extension last season, he’s added eight more sacks to his career total and continues to be a foundational piece of a defense built on physical dominance.
But here’s where I’m torn.
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I admire Heyward for standing his ground. Players—especially veterans—should advocate for their worth. He’s earned that. At the same time, I truly believe there’s no better time to let his play do the talking. Sitting out now would feel like a missed opportunity, not just for the team—but for Heyward himself.
This Sunday matters. It’s more than just a season opener. It’s a tone-setter for a team that’s expected to make a serious playoff push. Every piece matters. And no one—on or off the field—means more to this defensive unit than Cam Heyward.
If he plays, the Steelers walk into MetLife Stadium with their identity fully intact. If he doesn’t, it’ll feel like something’s missing—even if the scoreboard doesn’t say so.
Personally? I think he suits up. I think he leads that defensive huddle, hand in the dirt, ready to make life miserable for the Jets’ offensive line. And I think, eventually, the contract takes care of itself.
Let’s just get to Sunday.