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The NFL Network revealed No. 100-41 on their top 100 players of 2021 list on Sunday, and two Steelers players were featured -- defensive tackle Cameron Heyward at No. 57 and free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick at No. 52.
Heyward could have been higher, as he's at least a top-three interior defensive lineman in the league, but being at 57th isn't outrageous. However, Fitzpatrick got flat-out snubbed as he did with the Madden ratings. He should be a lot higher than No. 52. He's arguably the best safety in the game. He took notice of the slight, also.
Fitzpatrick tweeted last night after his ranking was announced, "I was tryna end my Sunday peacefully….smh."
In the last two seasons, Fitzpatrick has been named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press. He led the Steelers in tackles with 74 and had 11 passes defended, along with four interceptions -- including one returned for a touchdown against Cleveland in Week 6. In addition, he recorded one tackle for a loss, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His five takeaways ranked fourth in the NFL and his four interceptions ranked seventh.
Heyward was selected as second-team All-Pro by the AP in 2020, which was the third time he received All-Pro honors in his career. Last season, Heyward compiled 54 tackles, 18 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, three pass defended and one interception, the first of his career. This is the fifth time Heyward has made the Top 100 list.