On a latest Horrible Podcast, Dave Bryan and Alex Kozora had been discussing DT Cam Heyward. One subject I discovered intriguing was Heyward’s sack numbers.
Dave requested if eight can be achievable this season, and Alex questioning if that had ever been completed at Heyward’s age (37) and place.
This impressed me to seek out the reply and share it with you lovely folks. Because of Stathead, here’s a defensive sort out sack historical past of gamers 37 years or older. Pictured are gamers with at the very least one sack:
In line with Stathead’s information, no defensive sort out age 37 or older has posted eight sacks or extra since 1960. One got here shut, Leo Nomellini with 7.5 in 1961. He additionally appeared on this brief record of names two different occasions.
Simply three gamers had 5 sacks or extra: Nomellini (1961), 6.5 sacks for Carl Hairston in 1989, and Calais Campbell had 5 just lately in 2024.
Clearly, historical past means that eight sacks can be a attain for Heyward in 2026. Nevertheless, it’s extraordinarily enjoyable to see a participant who has defied father time so effectively set a brand new precedent.
Let’s have a look at a breakdown of Heyward’s sacks per season:
2011: 12012: 1.52013: 5.02014: 7.52015: 7.02016: 3.02017: 12.02018: 8.02019: 9.02020: 4.02021: 10.02022: 10.52023: 2.02024: 8.02025: 3.0
Final season was undoubtedly a drop off that may hopefully enhance this season. Heyward hit the eight sack quantity in 2024 as a 35-year-old, which can be a really brief record and fairly an accomplishment.
DTs not often are nonetheless enjoying at this age, not to mention posting these form of numbers.
After all, eight or extra sacks for Heyward in 2026 can be implausible and set a brand new precedent. Extra realistically, 5 to 7.5 sacks would nonetheless put Heyward in uncommon firm. It’s a variety that we must always all be proud of, given the information.
Since positions might be debatable at occasions (and having a curious thoughts), I additionally checked out line of defense as a complete to see what that historical past appeared like. Included are DL with eight or extra sacks at age 37 or older:
It’s an attention-grabbing record of names, for certain. Stathead lists this complete group as defensive ends, and 17 gamers met the factors since 1960 (65 seasons), which continues to be fairly uncommon. Topping this record is the good Reggie White with 16 sacks in Inexperienced Bay on the age of 37.
One other factor that stands out is gamers making the record a number of occasions: Doug Atkins (3), Andy Robustelli (2), Bruce Smith (2), Chris Doleman (2) and Coy Bacon (2). Additionally, shout out to one in all my favourite gamers of all-time in Julius Peppers making the record in 2017 with 11 sacks at 37 years previous.
One Steeler made the lower, Ernie Stautner. He posted eight sacks in 1962, enjoying his complete 14 yr profession with Pittsburgh. Stathead listed him as a DT for almost all of his profession, however some as a defensive finish as effectively notably in later seasons (together with 1962).
Stautner’s profession accolades embrace the Corridor of Fame and being a nine-time Professional Bowler. He did so regardless of being undersized (listed at 6’1”, 230 kilos), as he was credited for his toughness.
If Heyward had been to publish eight sacks or extra in 2026, he would probably be a part of the record of Steelers within the Corridor of Fame sooner fairly than later. The article confirmed that this could be an unparalleled accomplishment. Via Steelers lenses, it could be a outstanding feat to witness.
As I said earlier, 5 or extra sacks can be extra achievable and nonetheless fairly a formidable hope.
