- May 21, 2026
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It's not unusual for older players to get a reduced workload, but Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward accomplished something extremely impressive in 2025: He was both the NFL's oldest defensive tackle, and the defensive tackle who played the most snaps.
According to the snap counts at pro-football-reference.com, Heyward played 832 defensive snaps, the most for any player whose listed position is defensive tackle. And he did that at age 36 as the oldest player in the league at his position.
Heyward turned 37 in May and is the only 37-year-old defensive tackle in pro football right now, although Ravens defensive tackle John Jenkins will join him on his birthday, tomorrow. (Jenkins played 523 defensive snaps last year.)
The Steelers clearly weren't concerned that Heyward couldn't withstand the punishment of a lot of playing time at age 36, because they also had him on the field for 129 special teams plays, the sixth-most special teams snaps of any defensive tackle in the league last year.
In March, the Steelers extended Heyward through the 2027 season, when he'll be 38. And he may have some good years in him beyond that.
According to the snap counts at pro-football-reference.com, Heyward played 832 defensive snaps, the most for any player whose listed position is defensive tackle. And he did that at age 36 as the oldest player in the league at his position.
Heyward turned 37 in May and is the only 37-year-old defensive tackle in pro football right now, although Ravens defensive tackle John Jenkins will join him on his birthday, tomorrow. (Jenkins played 523 defensive snaps last year.)
The Steelers clearly weren't concerned that Heyward couldn't withstand the punishment of a lot of playing time at age 36, because they also had him on the field for 129 special teams plays, the sixth-most special teams snaps of any defensive tackle in the league last year.
In March, the Steelers extended Heyward through the 2027 season, when he'll be 38. And he may have some good years in him beyond that.