2023 was a forgettable season for Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward. An injury-riddled season forced Heyward to play basically on one leg but Heyward never gave up. Heyward posted this offseason that he underwent successful surgery and was looking forward to playing on two legs in 2024.

But this hasn’t stopped critics from calling for Heyward to retire. This comes from a combination of factors including his injury as well as his $22 million cap hit in 2024 on the final year of his current contract.

Heyward didn’t appreciate the armchair GMs and their hate for him after everything he has given this team and fired a shot at those cynical fans who want to see him gone.

As far as we are concerned, Heyward can play for the Steelers as long as he likes and we will support him no matter what. He’s the Ben Roethlisberger of the defensive side of the ball and has earned that level of respect. We can’t wait to see a healthy Heyward back on the field this season.

Story originally appeared on Steelers Wire