Blog Week 8: Nothing but respect

More to achieve: Last week against the New York Jets, Cameron Heyward tied Hall of Fame safety Donnie Shell for the most games played by a defensive player in Steelers history with 201.

Shell was at the game as part of the team’s alumni weekend, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Super Bowl IX, and was impressed that Heyward reached that milestone.

“Cam is a great guy,” Shell said. “He does a lot in the community. He’s an unbelievable player.”

While Ben Roethlisberger holds the record for most games played in franchise history (249), Heyward will break the record for a defensive player this week when he appears in his 202nd career game.

And it means a lot to him.

“I don’t take being in this locker room lightly,” Heyward said. “Wearing the Steelers jersey always commands respect. But wearing it over 200 times, being around guys like Donnie Shell and others. I’m always grateful to be a part of that. But it still means I’ve got to produce and I want to do my part.” of the deal.”

There’s never a problem with Heyward keeping his end of the deal. But it’s not just about defense.

Despite playing so many games, Heyward is still willing to go the extra mile and do whatever it takes to help the team. Including being on the field goal and PAT teams. It’s something he enjoys, especially with the success the Steelers’ special teams unit has had this year blocking punts and kicks.

“I don’t think I have a choice,” said Heyward, a 14-year veteran. “I’ve been on special teams since I got here. I was raised with this. To be part of this team you have to play on special teams.

“To explain why it’s been successful, the guys take it seriously. It’s not just about punt, punt return, kickoff return and kickoff. It’s field goal, field goal block. The guys They are focused. We see this as an opportunity for us to make a splash.

“We’ve got guys getting involved and getting results elsewhere. It’s contagious. We’ve got to keep building on that and finding ways to keep doing it.”

If there’s anyone who can find a way, it’s special teams coordinator Danny Smith, the gum-chewing bundle of energy.

“He likes bubblegum,” Heyward joked. “He is a guy who brings a lot of energy to the group and doesn’t settle for anything. I think year after year, in every meeting he participates in, everyone knows that he is part of that meeting. He is locked in.

“I can’t say enough about his film work. He’s always watching film of other teams weeks into the season or years ago. He’s always looking for that advantage and making sure we’re accountable for our mistakes, but then we make Sure We Can take advantage of that too.”

Overall, the Steelers have taken advantage of every opportunity presented to them this season, but Heyward knows there is still more to do. Like some of his defensive teammates, he doesn’t think they’ve done everything they can so far.

“I just think there’s more to accomplish,” Heyward said. “Even if you are at the top, you have to stay at the top. We have to improve. There are still little things we can clean up. Communication can always be better. Don’t have the layoffs that Stop the race can be better.

“I think when you look at it collectively, there’s a lot of things we can improve and we’re going to do that.”