Steelers’ Cameron Heyward Defends Supposed “Dirty” Play That Went Viral

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward has defended teammate Mason McCormick after a viral collision with Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse. During a field goal attempt in Pittsburgh's Week 8 victory, McCormick slammed Verse to the ground after Verse jumped. Following the contest, Verse criticized the move as dirty and expressed a lack of respect for McCormick.

Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, Heyward explained that linemen can take advantage when opponents jump during field goal scrums, noting McCormick's wrestling background. Former Steelers offensive tackle Max Starks also backed McCormick on social media, while Steeler Nation argued that Verse's decision to jump led directly to the hard landing.