PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field on September 30, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Cam Heyward came to the defense of Quenton Nelson on Twitter.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward had his way with Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson in their Week 9 matchup last season.
Apparently, that was enough to convince one NFL defensive assistant coach that Nelson was no longer one of the top offensive lineman in the league. Cam Heyward disagreed.
This just shows the class that Heyward has both on and off the field. He didn’t need to say anything about the tweet, but he felt like Nelson was being disrespected over one performance. While they may be rivals on the field, it’s great to see Heyward stick up for another player, especially when it comes from a veteran to a youngster.
Cam Heyward stuck up for Quenton Nelson on Twitter.
We all know that Nelson is a top-tier guard in the NFL, but this shows just how much his peers respect him. It’s ludicrous to claim that one performance can undo everything he has accomplished in his short career.
In only two seasons in the league, Quenton Nelson has made two All-Pro teams, an incredible achievement for such a young player. He also hasn’t allowed a sack in 30 consecutive games coming into the 2020 season. In the same article that Heyward is referencing, ESPN ranks Nelson as the league’s best interior lineman.
Cam Heyward may have gotten the better of Nelson on that day, but few can claim to have had similar games against the All-Pro. It will be a great matchup to watch the next time these teams meet, which will come this season. The Colts will visit the Steelers in Week 16. Who knows what playoff implications the game may have, but it we’ll see a great matchup between two of the best players at their respective positions who clearly have a ton of respect for one another.