Steelers’ TJ Watt Got Robbed; $50 Million Streamer Ninja Blasts The NFL For Handing DPOY Award To Myles Garrett (Steelers News)
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Steelers’ TJ Watt Got Robbed; $50 Million Streamer Ninja Blasts The NFL For Handing DPOY Award To Myles Garrett

Benedict Evans / ESPN
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Pittsburgh Steelers' standout linebacker, TJ Watt made headlines for his absence at the NFL Honors Ceremony, where he was expected to contend for the 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Award. 

Steelers TJ Watt

Getty Images

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker, TJ Watt.

Despite Watt's exceptional performance throughout the season, the coveted accolade was bestowed upon Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett, leaving fans and analysts alike perplexed.


Steelers Fans Outraged Over TJ Watt Having DPOY Award Stolen

The news of Watt's snub ignited a firestorm of frustration among Steelers' faithful and sparked widespread debate on social media platforms and within sports media circles. Many voiced their disbelief at the decision, citing Watt's superior defensive statistics compared to Garrett's. However, amidst the uproar, there were also voices in support of Garrett's victory, adding further fuel to the contentious discussion.

One unexpected figure to enter the fray was Tyler "Ninja" Blevins, renowned streamer and avid Detroit Lions fan. With a staggering net worth of $50 million amassed from his successful career in streaming video games, Ninja is no stranger to sharing his opinions on various topics. Upon learning of Watt's snub, Ninja couldn't help but express his astonishment during a live stream.

During the stream, one member of Ninja's chat claimed that Garrett won because he gets triple teamed and Watt doesn't demand that same attention. Ninja emphatically disagreed.

“Yes he does. Yeah he does. Some people just don’t… I’m convinced that I know more football than people… there’s just no way.”


His partner who was hosting the stream with him echoed his sentiments.

“TJ Watt is quite literally almost twice as good as Myles Garrett. You guys are out of your mind and Myles Garrett is awesome. That’s crazy.”

A closer examination of the statistical performance of Watt and Garrett during the 2023 season sheds light on their respective contributions to their teams' defenses.

Watt's dominance on the field was evident in his impressive defensive stats. Leading the league with 19 sacks, Watt showcased his unrivaled ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Additionally, his 48 tackles and four forced fumbles further solidified his status as a defensive force to be reckoned with. Notably, Watt's versatility was highlighted by his interception, underscoring his ability to make game-changing plays beyond pass rushing.

While Garrett's statistics were commendable, they fell slightly short of Watt's remarkable numbers. With 14 sacks and four forced fumbles, Garrett proved himself as a disruptive force on the Browns' defensive line. However, going off of the key production metrics used to measure defensive players in the NFL, the debate favors Watt heavily. 

Steelers nemesis Myles Garrett

David Richard / AP

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (#95) rushes the passer during a game against the Indianapolis Colts in Cleveland, OH.

Supporters of Garrett's DPOY win have pointed to his impressive pass rush win rate as evidence of his superiority over Watt. While Watt undeniably faced tough competition on the field, the argument suggests that Garrett's ability to consistently win pass rush matchups against opposing linemen sets him apart as a truly elite defender.

It's undeniable that Garrett had an incredible season, showcasing his immense talent and impact on the field. However, amidst the praise for Garrett's performance, there's a simmering debate that has stirred the football community. This debate centers around the perception that defensive production has been overshadowed this season by statistics derived from a formula employed by the popular analytics site PFF (Pro Football Focus).

While Garrett's achievements are commendable, there's a growing sentiment among Steelers fans that Watt was unjustly overlooked for the DPOY Award. Despite his remarkable contributions to the Steelers' defense, Watt's candidacy seemed to have been overshadowed by metrics that may not accurately reflect his true impact on the game.

Steelers Linebacker TJ Watt sacks Las Vegas Raiders Jimmy Garoppolo during Pittsburgh's 2023 Week 3 victory

Stephen R. Sylvanie / USA TODAY Sports

Steelers linebacker TJ Watt sacks Las Vegas Raiders' Jimmy Garoppolo during Pittsburgh's 2023 Week 3 victory.

This perceived snub has lit a fire under Watt, igniting a renewed sense of determination and drive. Taking to social media platforms, Watt has made it clear that he's no stranger to being counted out and underestimated. His response to the DPOY voting outcome suggests that he's using this perceived injustice as motivation to elevate his game to even greater heights.

As we look ahead to the 2024 NFL season, there's a palpable sense of anticipation among Steeler Nation. With Watt fueled by a sense of purpose and a desire to prove his detractors wrong, Steelers fans can expect to witness a new level of intensity and performance from him. This upcoming season promises to unveil a side of Watt that Steelers fans have yet to see—a side that should strike fear into the hearts of opposing teams across the league.

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