Steelers' TJ Watt Ties Team Record After Being Voted Team MVP For 2023

On Tuesday the Pittsburgh Steelers players voted for their team MVP, and for the fourth time they have selected linebacker TJ Watt. Watt now is tied with former receiver Antonio Brown for the most team MVPs in team history. Watt is the only defensive player in team history to be selected four times. 

Watt is currently leading the NFL in sacks with 17. Earlier this season Watt passed James Harrison to become the Steelers All-Time Sack leader. Going into the game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday Watt has 94.5 sacks all time. 

Watt joined the Steelers as their first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the league, earning Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors for his outstanding performances. He also won the Defensive Player Of The Year award in 2021 after he tied the NFL record with 21.5 sacks. Known for his relentless work ethic, exceptional athleticism, and versatility, Watt has excelled in both pass rushing and run defense. 

"You can't try to be Superman all the time," said Watt to Steelers.com. "You have to pick and choose your spots. That's something that I've learned over my career. There are certain moments in the game where the crowd is going nuts and it's third down and you're like, okay, this is a chance where I can really shoot my shot here and try to make a game-wrecking play. But other than that, you just have to own your role and do your job."

His ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his speed, strength, and football IQ has made him a cornerstone of the Steelers' defense. In addition to his on-field success, Watt is also recognized for his leadership qualities and dedication to his community, making him a respected figure both on and off the field.

"He is a very dominant force. He is a great player," Minkah Fitzpatrick told Steelers. Fitzpatrick won the MVP honor in 2022. "He is a player that causes chaos in any aspect of the game.

While a lot of outside linebackers, or edge rushers focus soley on sacking the quarterback, Watt has proved to be able to do it all. He's able to drop into cover, stop the run, and of course sack the quarterback. 

"It takes a lot to stop a player like him," said Fitzpatrick. "He is at the line of scrimmage, so there isn't a play that he doesn't affect. If it's a run, he can disrupt the run. If it's a pass, he can disrupt the pass. When you have a guy like that, the offense has to focus a lot of attention on him. When they do that, they put two, sometimes three guys on him and he still has that high motor and energy and pairs that with great technique."

Watt's impact extends beyond statistics, as he consistently displays a tenacious and disciplined approach to the game. His commitment to excellence, combined with his natural talent, has solidified his place as one of the league's premier defensive players, and he continues to be a key player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, leaving an indelible mark on the NFL.

Steelers MVPs since 1969
1969 - Roy Jefferson, WR
1970 - Joe Greene, DT
1971 - Andy Russell, LB
1972 - Franco Harris, RB
1973 - Ron Shanklin, WR
1974 - Glen Edwards, S
1975 - Mel Blount, CB
1976 - Jack Lambert, LB
1977 - Terry Bradshaw, QB
1978 - Terry Bradshaw, QB
1979 - John Stallworth, WR
1980 - Donnie Shell, SS
1981 - Jack Lambert, LB
1982 - Dwayne Woodruff, CB
1983 - Gary Anderson, K
1984 - John Stallworth, WR
1985 - Louis Lipps, WR
1986 - Bryan Hinkle, LB
1987 - Mike Merriweather, LB
1988 - David Little, LB & Rod Woodson, CB
1989 - Louis Lipps, WR
1990 - Rod Woodson, CB
1991 - Greg Lloyd, LB
1992 - Barry Foster, RB
1993 - Rod Woodson, CB
1994 - Greg Lloyd, LB
1995 - Neil O'Donnell, QB
1996 - Jerome Bettis, RB
1997 - Jerome Bettis, RB
1998 - Levon Kirkland, LB
1999 - Levon Kirkland, LB
2000 - Jerome Bettis, RB
2001 - Kordell Stewart, QB
2002 - Joey Porter, LB & Hines Ward, WR
2003 - Hines Ward, WR
2004 - James Farrior, LB
2005 - Casey Hampton, NT & Hines Ward, WR
2006 - Willie Parker, RB
2007 - James Harrison, LB
2008 - James Harrison, LB
2009 - Ben Roethlisberger, QB
2010 - Troy Polamalu, S
2011 - Antonio Brown, WR
2012 - Heath Miller, TE
2013 - Antonio Brown, WR
2014 - Le'Veon Bell, RB
2015 - Antonio Brown, WR
2016 - Le'Veon Bell, RB
2017 - Antonio Brown, WR
2018 - JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR
2019 - T.J. Watt, LB
2020 - T.J. Watt, LB
2021 - T.J. Watt, LB
2022 - Minkah Fitzpatrick, S
2023 - T.J. Watt, LB

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