The Associated Press dropped its list of finalists for the 2025 NFL awards on Thursday, and for Steelers fans, the results were about as expected-no Pittsburgh players made the cut. After a 10-7 season that was as inconsistent as it was gritty, the team didn’t quite produce the kind of headline-grabbing performances that typically land players in the awards conversation.
But that doesn’t mean the Steelers were completely overlooked when it comes to individual recognition.
ESPN’s Seth Walder took a different angle, compiling a list of the top 100 “real MVP” candidates based on analytics and impact-not just highlight reels or win totals. And four Steelers managed to crack the list, even if none landed in the top 55. Still, it’s a nod to the kind of foundational talent Pittsburgh has in place, even if the season didn’t end with hardware.
Cameron Heyward - No. 56
Let’s start with the veteran anchor of the defense. Heyward came into the season with contract drama hanging over his head, but the Steelers and the seven-time Pro Bowler found common ground just before Week 1. Once the pads went on, Heyward reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most respected interior linemen in the game.
Despite being on the wrong side of 30 and battling through a physically demanding position, Heyward finished fourth on the team in total tackles (78), tackles for loss (9), and QB hits (9). He also tied for fourth in passes defended (6) and added 3.5 sacks to his résumé. That kind of all-around production earned him Second-Team All-Pro honors-proof that even in year 13, he’s still setting the tone up front.
Alex Highsmith - No. 81
Highsmith’s season was a bit of a mixed bag due to injuries-he suited up for only 13 games-but when he was on the field, he was a force. The edge rusher led the team in sacks (9.5) and tackles for loss (15), and tied for the team lead in QB hits (19). Those are impact numbers, especially considering the missed time.
At 28, Highsmith is entering his prime, and the Steelers clearly value his leadership both on and off the field. He was named the team’s nominee for the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, a recognition that speaks to his work in the community as much as his production on Sundays.
Troy Fautanu - No. 90
Fautanu’s rookie year was over almost before it started. The 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft suffered a season-ending knee injury just one game into his pro career. But in 2025, he came back with something to prove-and he delivered.
Fautanu played all 18 games, including the team’s playoff loss, and didn’t miss a single offensive snap. That kind of durability and consistency is rare for any lineman, let alone one coming off major knee surgery. It’s a promising sign that the Steelers might have found a long-term cornerstone for their offensive line-something they’ve been chasing for years.
Joey Porter Jr. - No. 98
Porter Jr. took a leap in Year 3, establishing himself as the Steelers’ top corner and one of the emerging young defensive backs in the league. He missed three games but still led the team with a career-high 14 passes defended. His length, instincts, and physicality on the outside made him a tough matchup for opposing receivers all season long.
It wasn’t a perfect year, but Porter Jr.'s growth was one of the bright spots in a defense that had to carry the load more often than not. His presence gives the Steelers a legit building block in the secondary moving forward.
So, while no Steelers are heading to the NFL Honors stage this year, there’s still a lot to like about what’s brewing in Pittsburgh. Between Heyward’s continued excellence, Highsmith’s disruptive edge play, Fautanu’s bounce-back campaign, and Porter Jr.’s rise, the core is there.
The next step? Turning individual flashes into team-wide consistency.
If they can do that, don’t be surprised if more Steelers start showing up on these lists-and maybe even a few award ballots-next season.