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Steelers’ defensive trio named to the PFWA All-NFL team

Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick all received All-NFL honors while rookie Diontae Johnson made the All-AFC team as a punt returner

By Dave.Schofield
Los Angeles Rams v Pittsburgh Steelers Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-NFL Team was announced on Monday and three Steelers’ defenders were once again selected. Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, linebacker T.J. Watt, and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick all earned All-NFL honors.

The PFWA is made up of accredited writers who cover the 32 NFL teams on a daily basis. They are made up of sports writers from various sources such as The Athletic, ESPN.com, profootballtalk.com, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, and Newsday.

Cameron Heyward had his most tackles in a season in 2019. With 83 combined tackles, Heyward added 9.0 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Heyward joins the Rams’ Aaron Donald as the two selections at defensive tackle.

T.J. Watt turned in such an impressive season in 2019 he is on the short list of names associated with the Defensive Player of the Year. With 55 tackles, 14.5 sacks, two interceptions, and an NFL-leading eight forced fumbles, Watt joins the Cardinals’ Chandler Jones as the other outside linebacker and the Seahawks’ Bobby Wagner as the inside linebacker to make the team.

Minkah Fitzpatrick joined the Steelers in Week 3 of 2019 via a trade with the Miami Dolphins. While with the Steelers, Fitzpatrick tallied five interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Fitzpatrick also added a touchdown on one of his two fumble recoveries with the Steelers, having a total of three recoveries on the season as he added one in Miami. Fitzpatrick is joined by the Jets’ Jamal Adams as the other safety to receive the honor.

In addition to the All-NFL team, the three Steelers defenders also made the All-AFC team. The only other Steelers’ players to earn All-AFC honors was rookie Diontae Johnson as a punt returner.

Only returning one punt prior to Week 10, Johnson returned one kick for a touchdown on the season. His 12.4 yards per punt return was second in the NFL in 2019.

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