Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers DT Cameron Heyward makes decision on football future

Following the Steelers' loss to the Bills in the wild-card round of the playoffs last weekend, DT Cameron Heyward seemed uncertain about his football future. He has since made his decision on whether he plans to retire or run it back in 2024.

"I'm not retiring. I hate to be blunt about it, but I'm not retiring," Heyward said on his "Not Just Football with Cam Heyward" podcast. "I would like to get my body healthy. I just played an entire season on one freaking leg where I could barely run right after the season."

That's music to the ears of Steelers fans after the soon-to-be 35-year-old seemed tired following last weekend's loss.

"It's been a rough season. In my heart, I want to play but it's been rough," Heyward told reporters. "I need to take the offseason to get healthy again."

The six-time Pro Bowler's 2023 season is likely not what he imagined, suffering a groin injury in Week 1 that landed him on injured reserve for eight weeks. But he was able to return and get a small taste of the playoffs once again, which is what keeps him coming back.

Heyward has just one playoff win in his 13-year NFL career, but he seems to believe Pittsburgh has the team to contend next season.

"I think the group here, collectively, is a strong group that can win a Super Bowl," Heyward added. "I have a lot of desire for that. That's the thing that bugs me the most at night, not having an opportunity to win a Super Bowl."

The veteran has one year left on his contract. The 2024 season could be his final ride, especially if the Steelers shock the football world and contend for a championship. 

Heyward is ready to give it his all once again. After he gets healthy first, of course.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Coach: Oilers star center could miss Game 2 vs. Canucks
Watch: Cavaliers' Evan Mobley turns defense into offense in Game 2 vs. Celtics
Xander Schauffele tops stacked leaderboard after first round of Wells Fargo Championship
Rangers center making long-awaited return in Game 3 vs. Hurricanes
Suns talks with head-coaching target 'expected to move quickly'
Knicks get even more bad injury news ahead of Game 3
Frank Vogel fell victim to a Suns ownership group eager to win
2008 Celtics champion sentenced to prison despite emotional plea
Skip Bayless makes huge Tom Brady prediction after Netflix roast
14-year-old phenom signs unprecedented MLS deal that includes future Man City transfer
Pacers coach claims officials are biased against 'small market' teams
Hall of Famer makes bold prediction about Russell Wilson, Steelers
49ers Hall of Fame CB Jimmy Johnson dies
Rams make surprising move with former team captain
NBA announces discipline for Bucks' Patrick Beverley
Hall of Fame RB defends Najee Harris after Steelers decline fifth-year option
Pacers file shocking number of questionable calls after Game 2 loss vs. Knicks
Former NBA star says Anthony Edwards becomes face of the NBA if Wolves knock off Nuggets
Hornets hire top Celtics assistant as next head coach
Maple Leafs fire HC Sheldon Keefe after another early playoff exit