Steelers' Cam Heyward Aggressively Called Out By Las Vegas Raiders Lineman

The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their defensive intensity throughout their history, and that has continued into the modern day version of the team. It is bolstered by players like Cam Heyward and TJ Watt, who have been in Pittsburgh for quite some time and are two of the best in the league at their respective positions. The two display this every Sunday, and some offensive players from around the league have some good stories about squaring up against the defenders them.

Heyward has been a great defensive lineman in the NFL, and he is still doing it at a high level, despite his advanced age. The veteran just signed a new extension ahead of the 2024 season, and it proved to be worth it as he went on to have one of the best seasons of his career as he was named First Team All-Pro. He recorded eight sacks, with one of which coming against Jackson Powers-Johnson of the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Powers-Johnson was a rookie during the 2024 season, and he was a center prospect that the Steelers had their eyes on heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. He wound up going to the Raiders, and he spoke with Maxx Crosby on the most recent episode of The Rush about playing against Heyward. He even tabbed the play as his "Welcome To The NFL Moment."

"I got to say, playing against Cam Heyward and giving up my first sack ever in my entire life," Powers-Johnson said. "He didn't beat me, I beat myself. I overset. He got me, and said some choice words after. I really hope he comes back for another year, that's all I'm going to say."

Players are always talking in between plays, especially after making a great one, like sacking the quarterback. Emotions run high and players say some things that might be out of line, but that's what happens in football. Powers-Johnson did not like what Heyward had to say, which is why he is looking forward to the next time the two get to play one another.

This game happened in Week 6 of the 2024 season, and the Steelers won the contest pretty easily. The final score was 32-13, and Pittsburgh walked away with the convincing win. Powers-Johnson did not have a great game in the loss, as he gave up the sack, but he also wiped a touchdown off of the board for Las Vegas as he received an illegal man downfield penalty. The drive ended up resulting in a fumble instead, and it was probably the worst game of his rookie year.

The Raiders would have lost the game regardless of what Powers-Johnson did, but he did not make a great first impression in his first time going up against Pittsburgh. The coaching staff probably left the game feeling pretty happy they were able to grab Zach Frazier in the 2024 NFL Draft instead.

Steelers Won't Be Clashing With Raiders Anytime Soon

Powers-Johnson might want one more crack at Heyward, but there is no guarantee that happens. The two teams don't play each other in 2025, and Heyward is only under contract through the 2026 season. 

There is a chance the two sides might play in the postseason, but that is very unlikely considering one of the teams in the equation is the Raiders. Powers-Johnson spoke more about his run-in with Heyward.

"My choice words were a couple of words," Powers-Johnson said. "Then, he said some things, about some things, and I just wasn't too fond of it. So, hope he comes back another year, has a great season, and we get to play him."

Hopefully Powers-Johnson gets his wish of being able to go against Heyward one more time, especially if it means a sack for the Pittsburgh defense.