Names like William “The Fridge” Perry, JJ Watt, and Dontari Poe come to mind as defensive linemen turned offensive weapons near the goal line in NFL history.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward nearly joined that group. Until head coach Mike Tomlin shot it down.
According to Heyward, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith tried to come up with a way to get Heyward into the mix offensively for a play or two near the goal line. But Tomlin put the kibosh on it, taking a chance at glory away from Heyward.
On the latest episode of his podcast “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward,” the All-Pro defensive lineman answered a fan’s question about trying to beg Tomlin to get in on offense.