(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
During the NBC broadcast on Sunday night, Cris Collinsworth mentioned that Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward is "a no-question Hall of Famer." Collinsworth's statement isn't completely far-fetched, but Heyward is probably not a sure-fire Hall of Famer as of right now. That doesn't mean that he couldn't be someday, however. If he continues to dominate like he has been the last five years, Heyward will definitely have a bust in Canton.
Heyward recorded his 60th career sack in Sunday night's win over the Seahawks. He is now tied for fifth in Steelers history (Joey Porter) and third among active defensive tackles (17th among all active players). Against the Seahawks, Heyward recorded nine total tackles, six solos, a sack, two tackles for a loss, two passes batted at the line of scrimmage and a quarterback hit.
Heyward currently has the best grade among all defensive players in the league, according to Pro Football Focus, with a grade of 92.3.
93.7 The Fan had longtime analyst John Clayton on the station yesterday, and he had quite the take on Heyward in regards to being a future Hall of Famer.
"No. When Stephon Tuitt is healthy, he's better. Heyward a Hall of Famer? Please," Clayton said.
First, while Tuitt is a great player, he's not better than Heyward. And I can understand if Clayton disagrees with Heyward being a future Hall of Famer, as he might not have enough Pro Bowl and All-Pro nominations, but Clayton acts like Heyward is just some bum.
Heyward took notice of Clayton's disrespect on Twitter and posted a GIF that indicates he's taking notes.
Heyward, 32, is a four-time Pro Bowler and has been named All-Pro three times in his career (twice as first-team and once as second-team). If Heyward can get nominated for four more Pro Bowls and All-Pro honors, along with 30-40 more sacks, he should be a lock for the Hall of Fame. It's not completely out of reach, as Clayton makes it sound. Heyward just needs to continue to play at a high level, and he has shown no signs of slowing down at 32 years old.
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