Cam Heyward wrapped up his 15th season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and as usual, retirement chatter has yet again resurfaced for the veteran. Already 36, the rumors of his retirement were flying high following the playoff defeat against the Texans. However, the defensive tackle answered the rumors in his latest podcast episode.

“I’m laying low right now,” said Cam Heyward to Hayden Walsh on Not Just Football with Cam Heyward on YouTube. “I’ve been told, ‘Don’t make any emotional decisions.’ I just need to breathe a little bit. It’s been a long season. We’ll see. This isn’t something I’m going to rush, but I’ll be ready either way.”

The Steelers drafted Heyward in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and since then, he has been a regular part of Tomlin’s team. The defensive tackle had a good season with the Steelers, recording 3.5 sacks, 38 solo tackles (three more than last year), and 9 quarterback hits. However, the season did not end as they had hoped. Being in the Steelers squad all his NFL career, the DT has experienced their playoff struggles firsthand.

This was exactly why yet another Wild Card round exit saw Heyward get emotional this year. In fact, the Steelers’ HC Mike Tomlin stepped down after 19 years and seven consecutive playoff losses. The DT had massive respect for his HC, playing under him all his career. If Heyward is to continue, he would be playing under a new NFL coach for the first time next year. This is probably why his immediate retirement stance has been to lie low.

“That dude is capable of whatever he wants because he is a genius when it comes to football,” Heyward said after Tomlin’s retirement. “Really studies the game. Really connects. If he goes into TV, he goes into any type of consultant, he’s gonna be great at.”

Seeing their bond, it would make sense that the DT is choosing not to let his emotions govern the decision. Afterall, NFL legend Brett Favre retired in 2008 under similar circumstances, fearing failure and mental exhaustion. Although he unretired later, it was an emotional decision that took him out of the sport. However, Heyward is not walking that path at least as of yet.

The veteran also still has one more year left in his contract. His cap hit in 2026 is $19,150,000, which is a good number based on his performance. Even in the 30-6 loss against the Texans, he logged about 70% of the defensive snaps, showcasing he still has fuel left in his tank.

Cam Heyward opens up on Mike Tomlin’s departure

Cameron Heyward, under Tomlin, became one of the faces of the franchise from being a rookie DT. As a result, the news of his parting ways with the Steelers came as a shock to Heyward.

“I don’t like getting into detail about it because what stays in that meeting stays in that meeting,” said Heyward to co-host Hayden Walsh on the Not Just Football podcast. “It was shocking for us. I don’t think anybody went in that day thinking Mike T was gone. I had multiple conversations cause there was a lot I needed to say. And still a lot that needs to be said. I have to, we have to, respect his decision.”

Heyward’s connection with Tomlin was pretty evident. After every game, they would often walk together and discuss the game. Even Aaron Rodgers joined the tradition last season. Together, the duo had a lot of success in the regular season, but not in the postseason. Heyward, under Tomlin, has only one playoff win.

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The Super Bowl-winning HC had a rough time in the last few weeks, but he is enjoying his time away from football. Tomlin attended his daughter’s gymnastics tournament in Georgia, and was in a light mood at his most recent public appearance after the announcement.

Whether a TV job or an HC role awaits him in the future remains uncertain. But Cam Heyward’s return in 2026 has been subtly confirmed. It remains to be seen how the Steelers‘ and the DT’s future will be.