Pittsburgh Steelers fans weren't very pleased with the announcement of the NFL's 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Award. The DPOY Award is a prestigious accolade that acknowledges exceptional performance and impact on the defensive side of the football.
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Steelers star linebacker TJ Watt (90) sacks 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during a regular season NFL game.
In the 2023 season, Steelers' standout linebacker TJ Watt emerged as a force to be reckoned with, leading the league in sacks with an impressive tally of 19. However, despite his undeniable prowess on the field, Watt found himself overlooked when the time came to bestow the coveted honor.
Steelers' TJ Watt Frustrated By DPOY Snub
In a display of frustration and disappointment, Watt took to social media just an hour before the NFL Honors ceremony to express his discontent with being snubbed for the Defensive Player of the Year Award. His sentiments echoed the sentiments of many fans and analysts who believed that Watt's exceptional performance warranted recognition at the highest level.
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Steelers' TJ Watt's big brother J.J. waving a Terrible Towel.
Joining The Pat McAfee Show, Watt's brother and NFL legend, JJ Watt shared his perspective on the controversy surrounding TJ's DPOY snub. When asked about TJ's decision to skip the ceremony, JJ highlighted the futility of attending an event where the outcome was already predetermined.
“Why would he be there? What did he need to be there for? There’s no reason for him to be there. He didn’t win. What are you going to do? Sit in the crowd?”
He stood firmly behind TJ's choice to abstain from the ceremony, empathizing with his frustration and understanding his desire not to participate in a ceremony where victory was out of reach.
“No, like what are we mad at him for being frustrated? No, he should be frustrated. Yeah, I don’t blame him whatsoever for being frustrated.”
In a candid exchange with Pat McAfee, JJ reflected on the challenges faced by defensive players in garnering recognition for their contributions on the field. McAfee asked JJ what TJ would do if he won the award next season. JJ responded with intense pessimism.
“I mean you have seen how that pattern goes. What does he got to do? 50 sacks? What do you want? It is what it is man. I truly don’t want to take away from any of the other players. Like that’s not what I’m here to do. I think Myles [Garrett] is an unbelievable player. I think he’s a great football player so I don’t want to take away from him at all.”
He questioned the criteria used to evaluate defensive excellence, expressing skepticism about the possibility of TJ ever receiving the accolades he rightfully deserved. JJ's remarks underscored the prevailing sentiment among many fans and players that the NFL's award system may be subject to biases and inconsistencies.
The controversy surrounding TJ's DPOY snub was further exacerbated by comments made by Dallas Cowboys' linebacker, Micah Parsons. Following the ceremony, Parsons made headlines by asserting that TJ was not even among the top five pass rushers in the NFL—a statement that sparked outrage and disbelief among fans and pundits alike. JJ, in response, offered a wry commentary on Parsons' contradictory remarks, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
“And the stats, but not the stats, but and the stats, but definitely not the stats, but look at the stats. I think the internet handled that properly. That’s what we are dealing with man.”
Tone Digz joined in on the joke and suggested that Parsons was already the chosen winner by the NFL for next year's DPOY Award. JJ laughed and agreed with him. Hinting at the NFL pushing an agenda to avoid a narrative of voters fatigue.
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Steelers' TJ Watt during the 2023 training camp.
One of the central arguments in favor of TJ's candidacy for the DPOY Award was his exceptional performance in key statistical categories. Despite his dominance on the field, TJ was ultimately overshadowed by Cleveland Browns' defensive end, Myles Garrett, leaving Steelers fans feeling disillusioned and aggrieved. The discrepancy between TJ's statistical achievements and his perceived lack of recognition raised questions about the integrity and fairness of the award selection process.
The saga surrounding TJ's DPOY snub serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent subjectivity and unpredictability of awards in professional sports. While TJ's performance spoke volumes about his talent and impact on the field, his exclusion from the list of award recipients underscored the challenges faced by defensive players in receiving the recognition they deserve. As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: TJ's legacy as one of the NFL's most formidable defensive forces is secure, regardless of the accolades bestowed upon him by the league.
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