Pittsburgh Steelers star, TJ Watt has consistently been one of the most valuable non-quarterbacks in the NFL. His impact on the team is undeniable; in the 11 regular season games the Steelers have played without him, they've managed just one win and suffered 10 losses. This statistic underscores Watt's immense value to the organization.
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Steelers' TJ Watt sacks Browns' Deshaun Watson during a home game.
In the 2023 season, Watt's performance was nothing short of dominant, leading the league with 19 sacks. Many pundits regarded him as the most dominant defensive player of the 2023 season. However, the NFL voters for the AP Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) Award disagreed, choosing to give the award to Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns instead.
While Garrett had an impressive season, his stats did not quite match Watt's, leading to frustration among Steelers fans and Watt himself, who felt he was snubbed for the award. On the Up & Adams show, Darius Butler joined Kay Adams and was asked to predict the next DPOY winner. Despite the NFL's wealth of defensive talent, Butler believes Watt, who currently has the third-best odds, will use the snub as motivation and claim the award in the upcoming season.
“Give me TJ Watt. TJ Watt deserves one. He is always on top when it comes to sack numbers, pressures and for some reason, I do not think he gets the respect he necessarily deserves. All of those guys up there obviously deserve it, but if I had to pick a ticket today, give me TJ Watt out there in the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
He did win the DPOY Award in 2021, so he already has won the award before. However, Watt expressed his frustration with the NFL, suggesting they might have something against him. Throughout the 2023 season, he was seriously frustrated by the lack of holding calls on plays where he felt he was being illegally held. After the DPOY snub, Watt took to social media to voice his displeasure, echoing the sentiments of Steelers fans.
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Pittsburgh Steelers star, TJ Watt delivers a huge hit on Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen during a home game.
Steelers fans debated for months, and many still do, about why Watt was overlooked for the award. It felt as if the NFL had decided to give the award to Garrett long before the season started, regardless of what actually transpired on the field. While this may not be the reality, it certainly felt that way to many. Watt's frustration has fueled his motivation for the 2024 season, where he aims to prove the voters wrong.
Steelers' TJ Watt Only Cares About "Zero Playoff Wins"
While Watt has been incredible for the Steelers, he is approaching 100 career sacks. However, personal accolades no longer matter to him. What drives him now is his lack of a playoff win. He is determined to change that during the 2024 season. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016, but with numerous offseason additions in key areas, they are poised to end that drought.
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Steelers star linebacker, TJ Watt celebrates with the football after a big play in Pittsburgh.
Watt is on track to be remembered as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. He has been the cornerstone of the Steelers' success, even during seasons when the offense struggled. This season, he will have more support across the board. While Butler believes Watt will win the DPOY Award in 2024, Watt himself is focused on achieving much more than personal accolades at this stage in his career.
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