Las Vegas Raiders center Jackson Powers-Johnson gave up two sacks during his first season in the NFL, one of which came against Pittsburgh Steelers star Cameron Heyward.
The Raiders and Steelers squared off in Week 6 of last season, which was also JPJ’s third career start. Heyward got the better of Powers-Johnson on one snap, which led to him notching a sack on Las Vegas’ quarterback.
Powers-Johnson was recently a guest on Maxx Crosby’s podcast and revealed that the Steelers star was the source of his “welcome to the NFL” moment.
He also noted that Heyward had some words for him, and he hasn’t forgotten about that. The Oregon product is looking forward to their next meeting as a result.
“I’d say playing against Cam Heyward and giving up my first sack ever in my life,” he said. “I would have to say that. He didn’t beat me, I beat myself, I overset. And he got me, and said some choice words after, and I really hope he comes back for another year. That’s all I’m going to say.”
Unfortunately for the sophomore lineman, he may not ever get a crack at Heyward again.
The Steelers are not among the Raiders’ 2025 or 2026 opponents, unless the two teams meet in the playoffs. The Steelers are one of Las Vegas’ 2027 road foes, though.
Heyward, 36, is only under contract through 2026 and it’s conceivable that he may hang up his cleats before meeting Powers-Johnson again in a few years.
Despite a few hiccups, Powers-Johnson went on to have what can be considered a successful rookie season and looks the part of a starting-caliber offensive lineman.
He surrendered just two sacks and 23 pressures in 633 pass-block snaps between guard and center, and posted solid Pro Football Focus grades of 68.3 and 70.4, respectively, in pass protection and run-blocking.
After spending some time at guard in 2024, Powers-Johnson is making the full-time switch to center in 2025 after the the team released Andre James.
