Snubbed from the Pro Bowl after a run of five consecutive seasons earning the honor, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward stated his case last week that he should have been included for a sixth time.

Heyward was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday for his performance against the Las Vegas Raiders, his first game since Pro Bowl teams were announced.

Heyward had seven tackles, including three for a loss, two sacks and one pass breakup in the Steelers’ 13-10 win. He was the only player in the AFC to have multiple sacks and a pass breakup in Week 16.

Heyward has earned AFC player of the week honors three times in his NFL career. He won it twice in the 2017 season. He also is the third Steelers defensive player to be picked this year, joining free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in Week 1 and outside linebacker Alex Highsmith in Week 10.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)