Devin Bush selected for Steelers rookie of the year; Cam Heyward the Chief Award

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had seasons where there was no clear-cut answer for who would be their rookie of the year. At times it was simply by default, especially if the team was a veteran-laden team. 2019 was not the case with several players being considered as worthy candidates for the Joe Greene Award.

Ultimately, the Pittsburgh Chapter of Pro Football Writers of America selected Devin Bush as the 2019 Joe Greene Award winner, for the team’s top rookie of the season.

Bush was the 10th overall pick in the 2019 draft, and has appeared in all 15 games for the Steelers while officially starting 14. Most importantly, other than the game against the Los Angeles Rams, Bush has played the majority of snaps on defense each game. Being mindful to not overwork the rookie, the Steelers coaching staff intentionally withheld Bush from some sub-packages. Regardless, Bush is looking to become the Steelers first rookie with over 100 tackles in his first year since the stat became official in 2001. Entering the final week of the NFL season, Bush leads all rookies in tackles with 97.

In his rookie season, Bush added two interceptions, six passes defensed, and for fumble recovery‘s with one of them being for a touchdown. The only Steelers defenders who had more fumble recovery’s the rookie season or Carnell Lake with six in 1989 and John Reger with five in 1955.

On top of Bush being named the team’s top rookie, defensive captain Cam Heyward was also given the Chief award, for willingness to participate with the media. Here is what Heyward had to say about being given the award named after the team’s founder Art Rooney.

Congratulations to both Bush and Heyward for their individual accomplishments on the season. While the Steelers’ are preparing for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17, they are hoping they have more games yet to be played after an unlikely playoff berth.

Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold as they prepare for the regular season finale Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.