Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher TJ Watt was called out for having a relatively quiet game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 12. TJ bounced back big time in Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals, recording two sacks and a forced fumble.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt goes for a sack against Joe Burrow in Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season.
In the Steelers' thrilling 44-38 victory over the Bengals, clips of one of TJ’s sacks on quarterback Joe Burrow quickly went viral. However, the play sparked controversy, with many Bengals fans accusing TJ of being a dirty player for the nature of his tackle on Burrow.
🚨TRENDING: #Bengals fans are angry with #Steelers OLB TJ Watt for his “DIRTY ANKLE TWIST” on Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 2, 2024
😳👀
Watt was not penalized for this play.pic.twitter.com/dKya3jKvKe
The accusations drew mixed reactions across social media, but none were as impactful as the defense from TJ’s older brother, JJ Watt. Jumping into the replies, JJ showcased his deep understanding of the game to shut down the narrative that his brother plays dirty. His response not only highlighted the legality of the hit but also emphasized TJ’s commitment to clean and hard-nosed football, traits the Watt family is known for.
just checking, are you talking about the textbook way that tackling is taught by every NFL team to avoid injuries for both the ball carrier and the tackler?https://t.co/5obTl3Qme4
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 2, 2024
JJ's defense resonated with Steelers fans, who rallied behind TJ and celebrated his dominant performance in Week 13. The viral moment reinforced TJ's reputation as one of the league's fiercest defenders while putting to rest any claims of unsportsmanlike conduct. For the Watt brothers, the incident was yet another opportunity to demonstrate their strong bond and dedication to the game they love.
Andy Lyons / Getty Images
Steelers' TJ Watt sacks Bengals quarterback Jake Browning during the 2023 NFL season.
This isn’t the first time TJ has been accused by Bengals fans of being a dirty player. In nearly every matchup against Cincinnati, their fans often take clips out of context, attempting to paint TJ as unsportsmanlike. Despite the accusations, TJ has never responded, consistently holding himself to the highest standards of character.
While he plays as one of the scariest defenders in the NFL, off the field, he’s a humble, down-to-earth player who adheres strictly to the rules. TJ would never intentionally hurt another player, and throughout the game, he was seen chatting and smiling with Burrow, showcasing his respect for his opponents.
Steelers' TJ Watt Is Not A Dirty Player
The claims that TJ is a dirty player hold no merit, and once again, his brother JJ was quick to come to his defense. For Steeler Nation, watching TJ deliver a dominant performance in Week 13 was incredibly satisfying. His resilience and ability to respond with such an impactful game are reminders of why he’s a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year.
AP
Steelers' TJ Watt sacking Bengals' Joe Burrow.
TJ’s relentless motor and unmatched ability to pressure the quarterback have been cornerstone traits of the Steelers’ elite defense in 2024. With each game, he further cements his legacy as one of the league’s premier defenders, continuing to lead Pittsburgh’s defense to greatness.
Steelers fans are eager to watch TJ continue to dominate the league as the season heats up. With the team sitting at 9-3 and firmly in control of the division, Pittsburgh is gearing up for a challenging stretch of their schedule. Fortunately, TJ is hitting his stride at the perfect time, elevating his game to another level when it matters most.
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