After 15 punishing seasons, the question for Steelers captain Cam Heyward isn’t if he can still play, but if he even wants to. The decorated veteran, who also serves as the NFLPA’s vice president, recently gave a cryptic update that has fans wondering if his time in the league is coming to an end.

Heyward stopped by The Rich Eisen Show, and when the conversation turned to a possible return next year, he didn’t commit either way.

“I’m working on that,” he said. “It’s more just about where I’m at, and kind of decompressing after the season. That whole week of my tea and everything, it threw me for the biggest loop. My mom and my brothers, they were all checking on me, like, I just need to shut up right now. I don’t need to say much. Even on the pod, I was like, I can’t talk about this stuff because I’m not ready to.”

When asked about his process for decompressing, Heyward explained that his focus shifts entirely.

“First, I go back to dad mode,” Heyward said. “Like, I get to take my kids to school, or at least walk them to the bus stop because they don’t want me to drive them to school. They get embarrassed by me already. I get to be a dad, and I get to be a husband.”

He understands the trade-offs. Heyward added that all season long, his family sacrifices while he’s locked into football, mentally and physically unavailable. So whatever decision he makes next won’t be driven by money or contracts. It’ll be about what makes sense for the people around him.

Heyward clarified this isn’t a contract dispute, as he has a year left on his deal. And despite the physical toll, his performance hasn’t slipped; he posted a dominant 90.4 PFF grade, proving he can still play at a high level.

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However, there are signs that his best years may be behind him. In 2024, Heyward racked up 71 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, and 20 QB hits on his way to a first-team All-Pro selection. In comparison, the numbers in the previous season haven’t been as encouraging.

He finished with 38 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. While many Steelers fans will argue that there’s plenty left in the tank, the question isn’t about ability. It’s wear and tear. It’s whether the body and the mind are willing to go back through it again after another tough season, another Wild Card exit, and the emotional weight of watching Mike Tomlin walk away after 19 years.

While Heyward’s playing future remains uncertain, his next career move is already taking shape, signaling a potential life after football.

Cam Heyward will be at the Super Bowl

Cam Heyward has spent 15 seasons chasing the one thing that has always stayed just out of reach. No Super Bowl appearances. Whether he gets a 16th season to keep chasing it is still an open question. But this year, even if he won’t be wearing pads, Heyward will still be part of Super Bowl week, in a different role.

As Super Bowl LX heads to NBC, the network is stacking its pregame coverage with voices that know the league inside and out. NBC Sports announced that Heyward will be part of its Super Bowl broadcast team, joining a group that includes Aaron Donald, Fred Warner of the 49ers, and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Heyward will appear as one of several guests on NBC’s Super Bowl LX Pregame Show, which follows the network’s longer lead-up coverage, Road to the Super Bowl. The network’s pregame show will feature a mix of current stars and football veterans like Heyward to provide authentic, no-nonsense analysis.

For Cam Heyward, it’s a natural fit. He’s always been thoughtful about the game, someone who sees more than just his own position. Hearing him break down a Super Bowl matchup should be a reminder of his deep football knowledge.

It may also offer a quiet preview of what life after football could look like. If Heyward does eventually decide to step away, the transition to television doesn’t feel like much of a leap. He’d be a solid analyst.