Cam Heyward was left off the Pro Bowl team just two weeks ago. But he had the last laugh regarding NFL honors Friday when he was one of four Steelers to be named to the Associated Press All-Pro team.
The Steelers' defensive captain led the team with 12 sacks this season while also recording 45 tackles, two forced fumbles and three passes defensed for the NFL's fifth-rated defense.
Heyward found out about his inclusion following practice Friday when Mike Tomlin announced the picks to the team.
“I was not expecting that,” Heyward said. "I am very humbled and grateful to get it. I can’t do it without the teammates I have. It’s an extreme honor, but it’s the guys around me that make me good.
“I didn’t think I was going to get recognized, but it’s awesome."
Heyward was disappointed by being left out of the Pro Bowl. The All-Pro team, however, holds much more prestige. While there were six defensive linemen selected from the AFC for the Pro Bowl, just four are selected for the All-Pro team from the entire league. Heyward is the first Steelers defensive lineman to be named to the All-Pro team since Ray Seals in 1995.
Heyward, considered a defensive end for the Pro Bowl vote, was named one of two interior defensive linemen for the All-Pro team, joining former Pitt star Aaron Donald of the Rams at that position. The edge rushers were Calais Campbell of Jacksonville and Cameron Jordan of New Orleans.
Heyward was joined on the first team by receiver Antonio Brown, the only unanimous selection, who was named All-Pro for the fourth consecutive season.
Brown did not play in the Steelers' final two games of the regular season after suffering a calf injury in the second quarter of a 27-24 loss to New England Dec. 17. He still finished with 101 catches -- his record fourth consecutive season with 100 or more receptions -- a league-best 1,533 yards and nine touchdowns.
He is expected to be ready for the Steelers' first playoff game Jan. 14 against a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The Steelers (13-3) earned a first-round bye in the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
Also joining Brown and Heyward on the first-team were running back Le'Veon Bell and guard David DeCastro. Bell was a first-team selection in 2014 and second-team pick in 2016. This is DeCastro's third selection, as well. He was a first-team pick in 2015 and a second-team pick in 2016.
Bell was chosen as the flex player on the first-team offense and the second-team running back behind the Rams' Todd Gurley. (Each team has one running back, one tight end, two wide receivers and a flex player.)
The Steelers led the NFL this season with eight Pro Bowl selections. Center Maurkice Pouncey, left tackle Alejandro Villanueva, placekicker Chris Boswell and injured linebacker Ryan Shazier also were chosen for the Pro Bowl, which is picked via a vote of fans, coaches and players.
The All-Pro team is picked by 50 Associated Press writers around the country.