Effectively into his 30s, it might sound logical for Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive lineman Heyward to take loads of offseason relaxation days—ones he frequently will get all through the common season. However Heyward’s mentality is flipped. After the Steelers have performed their final sport, returning to work sooner is perfect for Heyward.
“Lots smarter,” Heyward instructed 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller over his offseason coaching habits now in comparison with his youthful years. “Beginning quite a bit earlier. I really feel like what I took, like, per week or two off, and I used to be already again coaching.”
Even at 36, Heyward stays one of many NFL’s strongest gamers. With a bull rush that continues to be unbeatable and run protection that appears immovable, his power is a cause for his longevity. Energy outlasts athleticism, permitting Heyward to play effectively past the traditional shelf lifetime of a pass-rushing defensive sort out. In 2024, he posted a traditionally sturdy season for a 35-year-old inside lineman, his 8.5 sacks the second-most of somebody his age or older by an NFL defensive sort out. Solely the late Steve McMichael’s 10.5 through the 1992 season topped Heyward’s eight.
For Heyward, sustaining that power is greatest by rapidly returning to baseline. Which means hitting the load room as a substitute of the sofa.
“Now it’s identical to attempting to maintain stuff,” Heyward stated. “After which simply hold constructing so I don’t should have that large lull to get again to the place I used to be.”
It’s the same mentality to what T.J. Watt has described in previous offseasons. Now not is the aim to max out weight and set new private data. Their “health club bro crushing it” days are behind them. Lifting sensible and constantly is the aim. Heyward’s on-record saying he plans to play via 2026, a aim that appears fully achievable. It’ll solely add to his Corridor of Fame resume, one bolstered by final season’s sturdy efficiency and the accolades that got here with it. Heyward earned his seventh Professional Bowl and fourth first-team All-Professional.
If Heyward can hold his 2024 baseline into 2025, he’ll proceed defying odds, expectations, and Father Time.
