Legendary Steelers Defenders Sing The Praises Of TJ Watt: "He Could Have Played In Any Era"

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker, T.J. Watt is being spoken about as one of the Black and Gold greats along with Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, James Harrison, Mel Blount, Rod Woodson, Greg Lloyd, and Troy Polamalu, just to name a few. Now some of these larger-than-life legends are talking about Watt and how impressed they are by his career. 

It is easy to understand why they are impressed. Recently, Watt surpassed his older brother J.J. Watt to take second for the most sacks recorded in their first 100 games, only Reggie White has more. Currently, Watt has an incredible 88 sacks to his name through 96 games so far in his career. White had 105 during his first 100 games, so Watt has a ways to go, but no one should ever count him out. The Steelers legends certainly aren't. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter, Ray Fittipaldo recently shared some of the sentiments from these men of steel. 

"There is no question T.J. Watt is a generational talent," said Pro Football Hall of Famer Mel Blount. "That guy is a game-wrecker. He's phenomenal. He could have played in any era."

Blount, a former cornerback, and member of the Steel Curtain, certainly knows talent. Blount helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls and was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) in 1975 when he also led the league in interceptions. He was elected to five Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro twice. All of these compliments are coming ahead of their game against the Cleveland Browns. 

One of the key matchups for the Week 11 game will include two players who won't even go head to head, Watt and Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. Garrett and Watt appear to be neck and neck in the race for DPOY for 2023. They entered the league the same year, 2017, and given the bitter rivalry, they are compared quite a bit despite playing slightly different positions. 

If Watt wins again, he will be one of a select few that have won the prestigious award at least twice. Only eight players have won DPOY more than once: J.J. Watt, Aaron Donald, and Lawrence Taylor are the only players who have won three times. Greene, White, Bruce Smith, Ray Lewis, and Mike Singletary all have two wins. 

"He's special," said Greene. "He came out as a high-energy guy with great effort. When he was young, he was an up-the-field rusher. Over the years, he has transformed himself into a guy who can rush with multiple moves. That has made him into a better player."

Greene spent time with the Steelers as a scout after his playing days, so evaluating talent is something that is second nature to him. He told Fittipaldo that he admires the way that Watt has continued to develop over his first seven seasons. 

"Now he can run through blockers, and he can beat his blocker inside. His transfer of speed to power has been impressive. He's developed a lot of countermoves. And it's clear he understands the game better. He has shown an ability to adapt to the game. It's either great coaching or just a great attitude on his part to want to grow as a player," added Greene.

This is serious praise from some serious talent. To hear that you could have played among the greatest names in football is an honor. It is not just Watt's on-field talent and attitude that earns him admiration. It is also how he bounces back from adversity. When Watt suffered a devastating pectoral injury in the first game of the 2022 season, he didn't let it stop him. He pushed himself to do everything he could to help himself heal quickly while staying conditioned so he could return to the game. After missing eight games, he came back with a vengeance. He had 5.5 sacks, 39 combined tackles, and two interceptions. 

Steelers' Greats From Every Decade Admire Watt's Talent

The Steelers '70s defense isn't the only lineup that became legendary. The group in the '90s was called "Blitzburgh" and in the mid-2000s, the defense called itself "The Big, Nasty D." One member of that group, James Harrison, got to play with Watt during his rookie season. 

Harrison is well known for his punishing tackles and his intimidating stare. Watt got a chance to enter the league playing behind one of the best linebackers in Steelers history. It is fitting that Harrison was the one to pass the proverbial torch to Watt. 

"I'm not good at predicting talent, but I knew he was d**n good," said Harrison. "He's doing a tremendous job, I don't think there is anyone on defense playing better than him right now. There is no limit to where he can go."

Harrison helped the Steelers defeat the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. That same season, 2008, Harrison became the only undrafted free agent to win DPOY. Earlier this season, Watt got to beat the master when he surpassed Harrison's franchise record for sacks. One of Harrison's teammates, defensive end Aaron Smith, echoed Harrison's thoughts on Watt. 

"He could have played with us. The motor, the desire to win, the competitive nature... he makes plays when you need to make plays," praised Smith.

Those words are about the biggest compliment these incredible men could have bestowed upon Watt. The 2008 defense was exceptional, they shut down offenses all season. They stopped 14 opponents in a row to under 300 yards, topped the NFL in total defense and passing defense, and were second in rushing yards. Part of what makes Watt so valuable is his ability to ball hawk and deliver big plays when needed. 

"It comes so natural to the guy. And he's always doing it at critical times. That's what separates the great players from average ones - doing it at critical times. He always seems to make big plays when it matters most," Blount said.

So far in 2023, through nine games, Watt has one interception, two forced fumbles, 10.5 sacks, 30 combined tackles, and 20 quarterback hits. He is on pace to have 20 sacks this season. However, Watt continues to improve each season, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he surpassed his best year, 2021, where he tied the NFL record for most sacks in a season with 22.5.  

What do you think about the comments made by the legends? And why do you think some of the internet chatter seems biased? Click to comment below.

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