Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Steelers' Cam Heyward claps back at 2024 rookie who thought he got the best of him during their game last season

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 2:07 PM ET

Rookies tend to learn things the hard way in the NFL.

Oftentimes, it's called their "welcome to the NFL moment."

And while Las Vegas Raiders OL Jackson Powers-Johnson had one of those against Cam Heyward, he thought he got the best of him.

Heyward doesn't see it that way...

Cam Heyward responds to Jackson Powers-Johnson

"I'd say playing against Cam Heyward and giving up my first sack-ever in my entire life", Jackson Powers-Johnson told his teammate Maxx Crosby on The Rush with Maxx Crosby via SD when asked about his welcome to the NFL moment. "I would have to say that. He didn't beat me- I beat myself. I beat myself, I overset. And he got me, and said some choice words after, and I really hope he comes back for another year. That's all l'm gonna say."

A chippy enviornment, I would imagine Cam Heywward was far from afarid to let the rookie know exactly how his day was going to go. Heyward hasn't played at a high level for so long without watching his opponents closely.

Cam Heyward christening rookie LG Jackson Powers-Johnson to the NFL. Welcome to the show, rook. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/ujIPJO1C1p
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) October 14, 2024

"Hey man, I was close a lot of times. I just, you know, I delivered the baby at that moment," Heyward said on his podcast when asked about if he heard Jackson Powers-Johnson's comments. "I don't remember what I said. You know, I tend to black out in those moments, but that wasn't the only time he got beat. I'm gonna be honest."

A case of friendly banter, it's fair to say that Heyward was on another level last year, earning Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro honors, all the while being in his age 35 season and a year removed from an injury riddled season that required multiple surgeries.

So the rook shouldn't feel too bad about getting schooled by one of the best interior defensive linemen of his generation.

Who knows, maybe they meet up again but this time in the playoffs.