Jump to content

T. J. Watt

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from T.J. Watt)

T. J. Watt
refer to caption
Watt with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021
No. 90 – Pittsburgh Steelers
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1994-10-11) October 11, 1994 (age 30)
Pewaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:252 lb (114 kg)
Career information
High school:Pewaukee
College:Wisconsin (2013–2016)
NFL draft:2017 / round: 1 / pick: 30
Career history
Roster status:Active
Career highlights and awards
NFL records
Career NFL statistics as of Week 16, 2024
Total tackles:459
Sacks:108
Forced fumbles:33
Fumble recoveries:12
Interceptions:7
Pass deflections:48
Touchdowns:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Trent Jordan Watt (born October 11, 1994) is an American professional football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers before being selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft.

Watt was a finalist for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award four times (2019–2021, 2023). He won the award in 2021, where he recorded 22.5-sacks and matched the single-season NFL record for most sacks set by Michael Strahan in 2001. He is the younger brother of three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J. J. Watt and former fullback Derek Watt.

College career

Watt with the Badgers in 2017

Watt was rated a three-star prospect by various recruiting services coming out of Pewaukee High School.[1][2]

He started his collegiate career as a tight end for the Wisconsin Badgers.[3] Watt's knee was injured in the 2014 season, keeping him out until the middle of the 2015 season.[4] He did not play a game from October 2012 to September 2015.[5]

In July 2015 Watt was asked by head coach Paul Chryst to switch to a defensive position as a redshirt sophomore.[3] Badgers' outside linebackers coach Tim Tibesar recalled Watt's position change, saying, "At that time, even though he was in his third fall at Wisconsin, it was kind of like having a freshman come in. You're trying to teach him for the first time how to play outside 'backer in our system."[6] After the fourth game of his junior season, he led the Big Ten Conference in sacks.[3] In the Michigan State game, he was named the Big Ten Player of the Week and was given the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week Award.[3]

During the 2016 season, Watt recorded 59 total tackles and 11.5 sacks.[7] Additionally, he recorded an interception and a defensive touchdown during the Badgers' game against Purdue.[8] Watt also received first-team All-American honors by Sports Illustrated and ESPN, and second-team honors by the Associated Press, CBS Sports, and Fox Sports for his play during the 2016 season.[9] On November 29, 2016, Watt was named first-team All-Big Ten.[10] On January 3, 2017, Watt announced on Twitter that he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2017 NFL draft.[11]

Statistics

Season Team GP Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
Cmb Solo Ast Sck Int Yds Avg TD PD FF FR
2013 Wisconsin 0 Redshirt Redshirt
2014 Wisconsin 0 did not play due to injury
2015 Wisconsin 8 7 3 4 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 2 0 0
2016 Wisconsin 14 63 38 25 11.5 1 17 17.0 1 4 2 1
Career 22 70 41 29 11.5 1 17 17.0 1 6 2 1

Professional career

Pre-draft

Watt received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine as one of the top edge rushers in the draft and completed all the combine drills. Among linebackers, Watt finished second in the vertical jump and three-cone drill, tied for first in the broad jump (with Jabrill Peppers), and also tied for first in the short shuttle.[12] He attended Wisconsin's pro day, along with Dare Ogunbowale, Vince Biegel, Corey Clement, Sojourn Shelton, and six other teammates.[13] Green Bay Packers' general manager Ted Thompson and Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin were among the 65 team representatives and scouts present for his pro day as Pittsburgh Steelers' linebacker's coach Joey Porter, Carolina Panthers' and New York Jets' outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene led Watt's positional drills. The majority of NFL draft experts and analysts projected Watt to be a late first round or second round pick. He was ranked the second best outside linebacker in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com, ranked the fourth best outside linebacker by NFL analyst Bucky Brooks, and was ranked the ninth best edge rusher by Sports Illustrated.[14][15] ESPN also ranked Watt the 44th best prospect available in the draft.[16]

External videos
video icon T. J. Watt’s NFL Combine workout
video icon T. J. Watt runs the 40-yard dash in 4.69 seconds
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 4+1⁄2 in
(1.94 m) 		252 lb
(114 kg) 		33+1⁄8 in
(0.84 m) 		11 in
(0.28 m)		 4.69 s 1.59 s 2.71 s 4.13 s 6.79 s 37 in
(0.94 m)		 10 ft 8 in
(3.25 m)		 21 reps
All values from NFL Combine[17][18]
External videos
video icon Steelers draft T. J. Watt 30th overall
video icon NFL Draft Profile: T. J. Watt

2017

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Watt in the first round with the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft.[19] Watt was the fourth linebacker selected and the second outside linebacker.[20] He was also the fourth linebacker taken in the first round by the Steelers since 2013.[21] On June 14, 2017, the Steelers signed Watt to a fully guaranteed, four-year, $9.25 million contract with a signing bonus of $4.87 million.[22][23][24]

He entered training camp competing with James Harrison for the starting right outside linebacker position. Watt was named the Steelers' starting right outside linebacker to begin the regular season.[25] Watt saw action in the NFL for the first time in the team's first preseason game against the New York Giants, where he made two sacks in the 20–12 victory.[26]

Watt made his professional regular season debut and first NFL start in the Steelers' season-opener against the Cleveland Browns on September 10, 2017, where he recorded seven combined tackles, two sacks, and intercepted a pass from quarterback DeShone Kizer, as the Steelers won by a score of 21–18.[27] He became the first rookie to start at linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers since Aaron Jones in 1988.[28] The following week, he assisted on two tackles before leaving during the first half of the Steelers' 26–9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings with a groin injury. He was declared out for Week 3 against the Chicago Bears.[29] On October 22, 2017, Watt had six combined tackles and sacked Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, his fourth of the season, during the Steelers' 29–14 victory.[30] On December 10, 2017, Watt recorded his first career forced fumble when he sacked Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco with 12 seconds remaining in the game.[31] The ball went out of bounds, but the game clock continued to run. Both teams seemed unaware of this until referees declared that the game was over. Watt finished his rookie season with 54 combined tackles (40 solo), seven pass deflections, seven sacks, one forced fumble, and an interception in 15 games.[32] He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.[33]

The Pittsburgh Steelers finished atop the AFC North with a 13–3 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 14, 2018, Watt started his first NFL playoff game and recorded two combined tackles and deflected a pass in a narrow 45–42 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the American Football Conference (AFC) Divisional Round.[34]

2018

Watt during a pre-season game in 2018

Watt entered training camp slated as a starting left outside linebacker. Head coach Mike Tomlin named Watt and Bud Dupree, who was now on the right side, the starting outside linebackers to begin the season, alongside inside linebackers Vince Williams and Jon Bostic.[35]

Watt started in the season-opener at the Browns and recorded a season-high ten combined tackles (seven solo), three sacks, and blocked a potential game-winning field goal, the first of his career, during overtime in a 21–21 tie.[36] He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance.[37] On October 7, 2018, Watt recorded eight combined tackles, tied his season-high of three sacks, and forced a fumble in the Steelers’ 41–17 win against the Atlanta Falcons. His performance earned him his second AFC Defensive Player of the Week award of the year.[38] On November 18, he set a season high of two forced fumbles during a 20-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.[39] He later replicated his performance during December 30's game against the Bengals. In the same game, Watt recorded four solo tackles with three assisted tackles as the Steelers won their final game of the season with a score of 16-13.[40]

He started in all 16 games in 2018 and recorded 68 combined tackles (50 solo), 13 sacks, six forced fumbles, and three pass deflections.[41] He was named to his first ever Pro Bowl following the season.[42] After the season, Watt was ranked 93rd on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018.[43]

2019

Watt in 2019

In Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, Watt recorded six tackles and made his first sack of the season on Russell Wilson in the 28–26 loss.[44] In Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers, Watt recorded his first interception of the season off Jimmy Garoppolo in the 24–20 loss.[45] In Week 8 against the Miami Dolphins, Watt recorded two sacks on Ryan Fitzpatrick, one of which was a strip sack that he forced and recovered, in the 27–14 win.[46] For his performance in November, Watt earned AFC Defensive Player of the Month. In Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals, Watt recorded his second interception of the season in the end zone off a pass thrown by Kyler Murray during the 23–17 win.[47]

By the end of his third season, Watt had established himself as one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, tallying an AFC-high 14.5 sacks, along with tying Chandler Jones for the league lead with eight forced fumbles.[48] He was named to the Pro Bowl.[49] He was voted Team MVP by his teammates, being the first defensive player to win the award since Troy Polamalu in 2010. Watt was voted All-Pro as both edge rusher (1st Team) and linebacker (2nd Team).[50] He was also nominated for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, finishing third in voting.[51] Following the season, Watt was ranked 25th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.[52]

2020

Watt with his AFC teammates Jurrell Casey and Calais Campbell during the Pro Bowl in January 2020.

On March 17, 2020, the Steelers signed Watt's older brother Derek, putting the two brothers on the same team.[53] On April 28, 2020, the Steelers exercised the fifth-year option on Watt's contract.[54]

In Week 1 against the Giants, Watt recorded his lone interception of the season off a pass thrown by Daniel Jones during the 26–16 win.[55] In Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, Watt recorded his first 2.5 sacks of the season on Jeff Driskel during the 26–21 win.[56] He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 2.[57] On October 1, 2020, Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for his performance in September.[58] In week 10 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Watt recorded two sacks on rookie quarterback Joe Burrow during the 36–10 win.[59] In Week 12 against the Baltimore Ravens, Watt recorded two sacks on Robert Griffin III during the 19–14 win.[60] Watt was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for his performance in November.[61] In Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts, Watt recorded two sacks on Philip Rivers, including a strip sack that was recovered by teammate Mike Hilton, during the 28–24 comeback win.[62] On December 31, 2020, for the second straight season, Watt was voted Team MVP by his teammates.[63][64] Despite leading the NFL in sacks (15), tackles for loss (23) and quarterback hits (41),[65] he finished second in voting for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.[66] Watt played in the Steelers lone playoff game, recording three combined tackles and deflected a pass as the Steelers lost to the Browns 48–37 in the AFC Wild Card Round.[67] He earned Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors.[68][69] Prior to the upcoming season, Watt's peers voted him ninth on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.[70]

2021

Watt at FirstEnergy Stadium in 2021

On September 9, 2021, Watt and the Steelers agreed to a four-year extension worth over $112 million with $80 million guaranteed, making him the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.[71] In Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, Watt made three tackles and two sacks on quarterback Josh Allen, one of which Watt also forced a fumble which was recovered by teammate Cameron Heyward in the 23–16 win.[72] The following week, Watt recorded four tackles, one sack and one forced fumble against the Las Vegas Raiders before leaving the game with a groin injury. He was later ruled out for Week 3. In Week 6 against the Seahawks, Watt played a large role in the 23–20 win in overtime, tallying seven total tackles, three tackles for loss, three passes defended, and two sacks, one of which was a strip sack in overtime that led to the game-winning field goal.[73] He was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 6.[74] In Week 13, Watt was a huge factor in helping the Steelers defeat the Ravens, 20–19. He had six combined tackles (five solo), 3.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, six quarterback hits and a forced fumble.[75] With 12 seconds remaining in the game and the Steelers ahead by one point, the Ravens attempted a 2-point conversion for the win. Watt was able to put pressure on Lamar Jackson and disrupt the pass, sealing the victory for his team.[76] His performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[77] In the Steelers’ 19–13 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 15, Watt recorded 1.5 sacks on quarterback Ryan Tannehill.[78] This gave Watt a total of 17.5 sacks on the season, a franchise record, surpassing the mark previously set by James Harrison in 2008.[79] In Week 17, Watt earned his third AFC Defensive Player of the Week for the year, in a victory over the Browns, 26–14. In this game, Watt recorded five tackles (all solo), four sacks, three tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and two passes defended.[80]

On January 6, 2022, the Steelers named Watt their Team MVP. He became the only player in team history to win the award in three-straight seasons. In Week 18, Watt tied Michael Strahan's 20-year old NFL single-season sack record, with a sack of Baltimore's Tyler Huntley during their 16–13 overtime win.[81] Despite missing two games and parts of three others, Watt ended the regular season leading the league in sacks (22.5), tackles for loss (21) and quarterback hits (39) for the second year in a row.[82][83][84] He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned First Team All-Pro honors.[85][86]

In the AFC Wild Card Round against the Kansas City Chiefs, Watt recovered a fumble forced by teammate Cameron Heyward and returned it 26 yards for a touchdown in the first half of the 42–21 loss.[87]

At the 11th Annual NFL Honors, Watt won NFL Defensive Player of the Year.[88] He was ranked sixth by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2022.[89]

2022

Watt during Steelers training camp

In Week 1 against the Bengals, Watt left the game in the fourth quarter with a torn pectoral muscle during the 23–20 overtime win, after attempting to sack quarterback Joe Burrow.[90] He was placed on injured reserve.[91]

On October 8, it was reported that Watt had recently undergone arthroscopic knee surgery for an injury sustained in the preseason.[92] On October 26, the Steelers opened the 21-day practice window for Watt's return.[93] He was activated from injured reserve on November 11, 2022.[94]

He finished the 2022 season with 39 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and a career low 5.5 sacks in 10 games played. Despite this, Watt was voted to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl. After the season, Watt was ranked 27th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.[95][96]

2023

In Week 1, a 30–7 loss to the 49ers, Watt would serve as one of the few bright spots for the Steelers as he sacked 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy three times, two of which resulted in forced fumbles. In addition, his three sacks brought his career total to 80.5, tying the Steelers franchise record set by James Harrison.[97] In Week 2, Watt broke Harrison's franchise sack record by sacking Deshaun Watson and bringing his career total to 81.5. Watt later recovered a Watson fumble forced by teammate Alex Highsmith and returned it 16 yards for the game-winning touchdown in the 26–22 victory over the Browns.[98] For his strong performance in the first three games of the season, Watt was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September.[99] On January 2, 2024, the Steelers named Watt Team MVP for the fourth time.[100] He is now tied with Antonio Brown in that category. In Week 18, Watt would record two sacks in the season finale versus the Ravens before leaving the game late in the third quarter with a Grade 2 MCL sprain.[101] This brought his total to 19.0 sacks on the year, the second time he has reached that total, (only his brother J. J. Watt, DeMarcus Ware, and Mark Gastineau have reached that mark twice). He also became the first player to lead the NFL in sacks three times, since sacks became an official stat in 1982.[102] For his performance in Week 18, Watt was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording eight tackles (six solo), two sacks, three tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits. He finished the 2023 season with 68 tackles, 19 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, one interception and a defensive touchdown.[103]

On January 15, 2024, Watt was inactive for the Steelers playoff game against the Bills due to a knee injury.[104] The Steelers lost the game, 31–17, and were eliminated from the playoffs in the Wild Card Round.[105] Following the season, Watt's fellow players voted him eighth on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2024.[106]

2024

After returning from his injury sustained in Week 18 of the 2023 season, Watt did not participate in any of the Steelers' three preseason games. He would finally play again in Week 1's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. During the game, Watt was able to record one sack and a fumble recovery.[107]

External videos
video icon T. J. Watt records his 100th career sack
Watt with fellow Steelers' team captains before a game in 2024

Through his first five starts of 2024, Watt achieved 4.5 sacks, nearly one per game.[108] During Week 5's 20–17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Watt would record his 100th career sack.[109] This makes Watt just one of 44 players in NFL history to achieve 100 sacks since the statistic started being officially recorded in 1982. With 100 sacks in 109 career games with the Steelers, Watt is also the second fastest player to accomplish this statistic, only behind Reggie White.[110] He is also only the third player in NFL history to reach 100 career sacks before the age of 30, once again succeeding White and Jared Allen.[111] In Week 8, Watt recorded seven tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and recovery in a 26–18 win over the New York Giants, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week.[112]

During Week 13's 44–38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Watt strip sacked Joe Burrow leading to a fumble recovery by the Steelers to set up a field goal late in the second quarter to take the lead going into halftime.[113]

During the Steelers’ loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on December 15, Watt appeared to suffer a non contact ankle injury, leaving the game during the fourth quarter. [114] It was later revealed Watt simply rolled his ankle, avoiding any serious injury. [115] Watt returned to play in the following week’s 17-34 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in which he recorded four tackles. [116]

NFL career statistics

Legend
NFL Defensive Player of the Year
NFL record
Led the league
Bold Career high

Regular season

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL QBH Int Yds TD PD FF FR Yds TD
2017 PIT 15 15 54 40 14 7.0 10 13 1 17 0 7 1 0 0 0
2018 PIT 16 16 68 50 18 13.0 12 21 0 0 0 3 6 0 0 0
2019 PIT 16 16 55 35 20 14.5 14 36 2 7 0 8 8 4 0 0
2020 PIT 15 15 53 43 10 15.0 23 41 1 0 0 7 2 0 0 0
2021 PIT 15 15 64 48 16 22.5 21 39 0 0 0 7 5 3 1 0
2022 PIT 10 10 39 27 12 5.5 8 12 2 0 0 5 1 0 0 0
2023 PIT 17 17 68 48 20 19.0 19 36 1 24 0 8 4 3 34 1
2024 PIT 15 15 58 39 19 11.5 18 27 0 0 0 3 6 2 0 0
Career 119 119 459 330 129 108.0 125 225 7 48 0 48 33 12 35 1

Postseason

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL QBH Int Yds TD PD FF FR Yds TD
2017 PIT 1 1 2 1 1 0.0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
2020 PIT 1 1 3 2 1 0.0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
2021 PIT 1 1 3 3 0 1.0 2 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 26 1
2023 PIT 0 0 did not play due to injury
Career 3 3 8 6 2 1.0 3 5 0 0 0 3 0 1 26 1

Awards and highlights

Watt's uniform worn with the Steelers (left) and his brother J.J. Watt's uniform worn with the Texans (right), both exhibited at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

NFL

NFL records

Pittsburgh Steelers records

  • Sacks, single season: 22.5[140]
  • Sacks, career: 108.0[141]
  • Most seasons with 10+ sacks: 6[142]
  • Quarterback hits, career: 225[143]
  • 4× Team MVP (2019–2021, 2023) (tied with Antonio Brown)[144]

College

Personal life

Watt is the youngest of three sons of Connie and John Watt, and was raised in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. His father was a firefighter for 25 years and his mother is the vice president of an independent inspections company. He has two older brothers, J. J. and Derek, who both played at the University of Wisconsin[147] before going onto NFL careers. Derek is a former fullback who was college teammates with T. J. from 2012 to 2015. He was selected in the sixth round by the then-San Diego Chargers with the 198th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. He also was T. J.'s teammate with the Steelers from 2020 to 2022.[148] Eldest brother J. J. is a former three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and five-time All-Pro defensive end who was selected by the Houston Texans with the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.[149]

During his time at Wisconsin, Watt majored in retailing and consumer behavior.[150]

He married professional soccer player Dani Rhodes on July 9, 2022.[151] In September 2024, the couple announced on Instagram that they were expecting their first child together.[152]

Notes

  1. ^ Selected as a linebacker
  2. ^ Selected as a linebacker
  3. ^ Award given to the NFL annual sacks leader

References

  1. ^ Baby, Ben (December 31, 2016). "Wisconsin LB T.J. Watt is stepping out from brother J.J.'s shadow to lead Wisconsin at Cotton Bowl". SportsDay. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  2. ^ "T J Watt, 2013 Tight End, Wisconsin". Rivals.com. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d Galloway, Jason (September 27, 2016). "Badgers football: T.J. Watt becoming star for UW just a year after position change". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
  4. ^ Kaplan, Emily (October 12, 2016). "Wisconsin's Watt the Third". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
  5. ^ "Pass Rushers: Game Changers Ep. 2 | Watt, Allen, Harris, & Thomas | 2017 NFL Draft | NFL Network". YouTube.com. NFL Network. April 5, 2017. Retrieved April 11, 2017.
  6. ^ Temple, Jesse (September 29, 2016). "SC on the Road: T.J. Watt carrying on a family tradition at Wisconsin". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  7. ^ Hunt, Tyler (December 20, 2016). "Wisconsin Football: Is TJ Watt Headed to the NFL Draft?". Fox Sports. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  8. ^ Bahr, Chris (December 9, 2016). "Watch Wisconsin's T.J. Watt showcase his athleticism on an incredible pick-6". Fox Sports. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  9. ^ Potrykus, Jeff (January 3, 2017). "Badgers linebacker T.J. Watt leaving early for NFL". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  10. ^ "2016 Big Ten Individual Award Winners" (PDF). www.grfx.cstv.com. Big Ten Conference. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 29, 2016. Retrieved November 30, 2016.
  11. ^ Goodbread, Chase (January 3, 2017). "T.J. Watt, J.J.'s brother, intends to enter 2017 NFL Draft". NFL.com. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  12. ^ Lisk, Jason (March 7, 2017). "T.J. Watt Made a Lot of Money at the Combine, Put Up Outstanding Numbers". thebiglead.com. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  13. ^ Riese, Owen (March 15, 2017). "Former Wisconsin Badgers work out for scouts at pro day". buckys5thquarter.com. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  14. ^ "*T.J. Watt, DS #2 OLB, Wisconsin". nfldraftscout.com. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  15. ^ Brooks, Bucky (April 25, 2017). "Bucky Brooks' top 5 2017 NFL Draft prospects by position 3.0". NFL.com. Retrieved May 24, 2017.
  16. ^ Legwold, Jeff (April 22, 2017). "Ranking 2017 draft's Top 100 Players". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  17. ^ "T.J. Watt Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  18. ^ "T.J. Watt, Wisconsin, OLB, 2017 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
  19. ^ Orr, Conor (April 28, 2017). "Steelers draft T.J. Watt". NFL.com. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  20. ^ "2017 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  21. ^ "PIT, LB selected in NFL Draft, Round 1, since 2013". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  22. ^ "Sportrac.com: T.J. Watt contract". sportrac.com. Retrieved June 15, 2017.
  23. ^ "Steelers Ink First-Round LB Watt To Rookie Deal". CBS Pittsburgh. June 14, 2017. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  24. ^ Daniels, Tim (June 14, 2017). "T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers Agree to Rookie Contract". BleacherReport.com. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  25. ^ "Ourlads.com: Pittsburgh Steelers depth chart: 08/01/2017". ourlads.com. Retrieved October 7, 2017.
  26. ^ Patra, Kevin (August 12, 2017). "T.J. Watt has 2 sacks in first preseason game". NFL.com. Archived from the original on August 13, 2017. Retrieved August 11, 2017.
  27. ^ Sessler, Marc (September 10, 2017). "Steeler's extend Brown's losing streak on opening day". NFL.com. Retrieved September 10, 2017.
  28. ^ "Watt's Up: Steelers rookie T.J. Watt jumps into starting gig". lockhaven.com. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  29. ^ Goldberg, Rob (September 22, 2017). "T.J. Watt out vs. Bears with Groin Injury". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  30. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers - October 22nd, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  31. ^ Reed, Jesse (December 10, 2017). "T.J. Watt gets shout-out from J.J. Watt after game-sealing sack". sportsnaut.com. Retrieved July 9, 2022.
  32. ^ "T.J. Watt 2017 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  33. ^ "2017 NFL All-Rookie Team". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  34. ^ "Divisional Round - Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers - January 14th, 2018". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved July 23, 2019.
  35. ^ Chester, Simon (September 23, 2018). "Steelers publish their first depth chart of the 2018 season". Behind the Steel Curtain. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
  36. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns - September 9th, 2018". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  37. ^ Teope, Herbie (September 12, 2018). "Mahomes, Fitzpatrick among Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  38. ^ "2018 NFL Week 5 Leaders & Scores". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  39. ^ "Steelers 20-16 Jaguars (Nov 18, 2018)". StatMuse. November 18, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  40. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers". Pro-Football-Reference.com. December 30, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  41. ^ "T.J. Watt 2018 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  42. ^ "Ultimate Highlight". Steelers.com. July 9, 2019. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  43. ^ DeArdo, Bryan (July 22, 2019). "T.J. Watt No. 93 on NFL Network's Top 100 list". 247Sports.com. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  44. ^ "Wilson, Seahawks edge Steelers 28-26 as Roethlisberger exits". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 15, 2019. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
  45. ^ "Sloppy 49ers beat Steelers 24-20 on late Garoppolo TD pass". ESPN.com. Associated Press. September 22, 2019. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
  46. ^ "Steelers overcome slow start, drop winless Dolphins 27-14". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 28, 2019. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
  47. ^ "Steelers hang on for 23-17 victory over Cardinals". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 8, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
  48. ^ "2019 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  49. ^ "2019 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  50. ^ "2019 NFL All-Pros". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  51. ^ "2019 Awards Voting". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  52. ^ Berger, Cale (July 29, 2020). "T.J. Watt Listed at 25 on NFL Top 100". Steelers Now. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  53. ^ Goldberg, Rob (March 17, 2020). "Derek Watt Reportedly Agrees to Contract with Steelers; Joins Brother T.J." Bleacher Report. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  54. ^ Varley, Teresa (April 28, 2020). "Team exercises Watt's fifth-year option". Steelers.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  55. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Giants - September 14th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  56. ^ "Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers - September 20th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 22, 2020.
  57. ^ Gordon, Grant (September 23, 2020). "Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, Bills QB Josh Allen among Players of the Week". NFL.com. Retrieved September 23, 2020.
  58. ^ Gordon, Grant (October 1, 2020). "Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, Bills QB Josh Allen among NFL Players of the Month". NFL.com. Retrieved October 1, 2020.
  59. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers - November 15th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  60. ^ "Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers - December 2nd, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
  61. ^ Gordon, Grant (December 4, 2020). "Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Vikings RB Dalvin Cook lead Players of the Month". NFL.com. Retrieved December 6, 2020.
  62. ^ "Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers - December 27th, 2020". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
  63. ^ Davoren, Paige (January 5, 2021). "T.J. Watt Named Steelers Team MVP". The Game Haus. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  64. ^ Popejoy, Curt (December 31, 2020). "Steelers name LB T.J. Watt team MVP for 2020". Steelers Wire. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  65. ^ "2020 NFL Defense". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  66. ^ Patra, Kevin (February 6, 2021). "Rams DT Aaron Donald wins AP Defensive Player of the Year for third time". NFL.com. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  67. ^ "Wild Card - Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers - January 10th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  68. ^ "2020 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  69. ^ "2020 NFL All-Pros". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  70. ^ "2021 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  71. ^ Shook, Nick (September 9, 2021). "T.J. Watt agrees to four-year extension with Steelers worth more than $112M". NFL.com. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  72. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills - September 12th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  73. ^ Benz, Tim (October 18, 2021). "Feats of Strength/Airing of Grievances after Steelers beat Seahawks: Replay controversy, missed tackles, T.J. Watt's heroics". triblive.com. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  74. ^ "2021 NFL week 6 Leaders & Scores". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  75. ^ "Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers - December 5th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  76. ^ Marczi, Matthew (December 6, 2021). "Lamar Jackson Credits T.J. Watt For Incomplete 2-Point Conversion: 'I Had To Try To Throw it Around Him'". Steelers Depot. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
  77. ^ "2021 NFL Week 13 Leaders & Scores". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  78. ^ "Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers - December 19th, 2021". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  79. ^ Varley, Teresa (December 21, 2021). "Watt sets Steelers single season sack record". www.steelers.com. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  80. ^ "Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers - January 3rd, 2022". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  81. ^ Gordon, Grant (January 9, 2022). "Steelers' T.J. Watt ties Hall of Famer Michael Strahan's single-season sack record". NFL.com. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  82. ^ "T.J. Watt 2021 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  83. ^ "2021 NFL Defense". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  84. ^ "2021 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  85. ^ "2021 NFL Pro Bowlers". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  86. ^ "2021 NFL All-Pros". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  87. ^ "Wild Card - Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs - January 16th, 2022". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  88. ^ "AP Defensive Player of the Year Winners". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  89. ^ "2022 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  90. ^ Pryor, Brooke (September 11, 2022). "Source: Steelers believe Watt suffered torn pec". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  91. ^ Pryor, Brooke (September 15, 2022). "Steelers won't scrap plan on D with Watt on IR". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  92. ^ Rutter, Joe (October 8, 2022). "Report: Steelers' T.J. Watt has surgery on knee, could be out longer". TribLIVE.com. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  93. ^ Shook, Nick (October 26, 2022). "T.J. Watt back at practice for Steelers, opening LB's window to return from injured reserve". NFL.com. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  94. ^ Strackbein, Noah (November 11, 2022). "Steelers LB T.J. Watt Says He's Playing Against Saints". SI.com. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  95. ^ "T.J. Watt 2022 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  96. ^ Smith, Coral (August 2, 2023). "Top 100 Players of 2023, Nos. 30-21: Sauce Gardner debuts as top rookie; Austin Ekeler among three RBs". NFL.com. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  97. ^ DeArdo, Bryan (September 10, 2023). "LOOK: Steelers' T.J. Watt ties James Harrison's franchise career sack record with big Week 1". CBSSports.com. Retrieved September 12, 2022.
  98. ^ Meyer, Nick (September 18, 2023). "Steelers' TJ Watt reaches epic Pittsburgh milestone after monster Deshaun Watson takedown vs Browns". ClutchPoints. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  99. ^ Kozora, Alex (September 28, 2023). "T.J. Watt Named AFC Player of the Month". Steelers Depot. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  100. ^ Smith, Michael David (January 3, 2024). "Steelers players vote T.J. Watt their team MVP for fourth time". NBC Sports. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  101. ^ DeFabo, Mike; West, Jenna (January 7, 2024). "Steelers' T.J. Watt has Grade 2 MCL sprain". The New York Times. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  102. ^ Thompson, Stephen (January 7, 2024). "Steelers LB T.J. Watt Makes NFL History". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  103. ^ "T.J. Watt 2023 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  104. ^ Irving, Kyle (January 15, 2024). "Is T.J. Watt playing today? Latest knee injury news, updates on Steelers star's playoff status vs. Bills, beyond". Sporting News. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  105. ^ Maiorana, Sal; Miller, Ryan (January 15, 2021). "Buffalo Bills 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 17: Final score, stats, highlights". Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  106. ^ Hall, Taylor (August 3, 2024). "T.J. Watt ranked No. 8 in NFL Top 100". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  107. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons - September 8th, 2024". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  108. ^ "T.J. Watt Game Log".
  109. ^ Williams, Charean (October 7, 2024). "T.J. Watt records his 100th career sack". NBC Sports. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  110. ^ Varley, Teresa (October 7, 2024). "Watt records his 100th career sack". Steelers.com. Retrieved October 8, 2024.
  111. ^ "T.J. Watt records 100th career sack on final play of 1st quarter vs. Cowboys".
  112. ^ Gordon, Grant (October 30, 2024). "Browns QB Jameis Winston, Falcons QB Kirk Cousins highlight Players of the Week". NFL.com.
  113. ^ Hutchison, Conor (December 1, 2024). "Steelers Explode in Massive Win Over Bengals". Pittsburgh Steelers On SI. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  114. ^ Fonseca, Bryan (December 16, 2024). "T.J. Watt exits Steelers' loss with worrisome ankle injury with Week 16 status unclear". New York Post. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  115. ^ Farabaugh, Nick (December 19, 2024). "Pittsburgh Steelers get massive boost with good injury news on T.J. Watt". pennlive. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  116. ^ "Steelers 17-34 Ravens (Dec 21, 2024)". StatMuse. December 21, 2024. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
  117. ^ a b "NFL Honors Announces Awards for the 2021 NFL Season". NFL.com. February 11, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  118. ^ a b "2019 AP NFL All-Pro team rosters and voting". AP News. January 3, 2020. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  119. ^ "2020 NFL All-Pro Team Roster". AP News. January 8, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  120. ^ "2021 NFL All-Pro Team Voting". AP News. January 14, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  121. ^ "NFL reveals rosters for 2019 Pro Bowl in Orlando". NFL.com. December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  122. ^ "NFL reveals rosters for 2020 Pro Bowl in Orlando". NFL.com. December 17, 2019. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  123. ^ "NFL reveals complete AFC, NFC rosters for 2021 Pro Bowl". NFL.com. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  124. ^ "2022 Pro Bowl: Complete AFC roster revealed". NFL.com. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  125. ^ "2023 Pro Bowl Games: Complete AFC roster revealed". NFL.com. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  126. ^ "List of 'NFL Honors' award winners from 2020 season". NFL.com. February 6, 2021. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  127. ^ "NFL Fumbles Forced Year-by-Year Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  128. ^ "Winners - The Butkus Award". Butkus Award. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  129. ^ "Hunt 2017 Rookie of the Year; All-Rookie Team | PFWA". Pro Football Writers of America. January 16, 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  130. ^ "2019 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  131. ^ "2020 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  132. ^ "2021 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  133. ^ "2022 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  134. ^ "2023 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  135. ^ "2024 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
  136. ^ a b "T.J. Watt Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  137. ^ "Steelers' T.J. Watt ties NFL season sack record". Reuters. January 9, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  138. ^ DeArdo, Bryan (December 28, 2023). "Steelers' T.J. Watt makes NFL history as first player to lead league in sacks three different times". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  139. ^ Kerr, Jeff (March 15, 2024). "Ranking greatest defensive players in NFL history: Where Aaron Donald fits on all-time list after retirement". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  140. ^ Varley, Teresa (January 9, 2022). "Watt ties NFL single-season sack record". Pittsburgh Steelers. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  141. ^ Varley, Teresa (September 18, 2023). "Watt is Steelers all-time sack leader". Pittsburgh Steelers. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  142. ^ "Steelers Single Season Defensive Leaders". footballdb.com. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  143. ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers Career Defense Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  144. ^ "Steelers Team MVP Award". Pittsburgh Steelers. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  145. ^ a b Macysyn, Curt (August 1, 2017). "Rookie Spotlight: T.J. Watt Tackles High Expectations With Steel Curtain Defense - CBS Texas". CBS News. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  146. ^ Carlton, Chuck; Baby, Ben; Nichols, Bill (January 3, 2017). "Wisconsin leaves Cotton Bowl trophy on field after win; coaching star P.J. Fleck still committed to Western Michigan". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  147. ^ Haley, Andy (April 28, 2017). "How T.J. Watt Transitioned From Tight End to a Top NFL Linebacker Prospect". stack.com. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  148. ^ "Derek Watt Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  149. ^ "J.J. Watt Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  150. ^ "Wisconsin Badgers football: T.J. Watt bio". Wisconsin Badgers Athletics. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  151. ^ Willis, Jeremy (July 11, 2022). "T. J. Watt and Dani Rhodes get married". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  152. ^ "February 2025 👣❤️". Instagram. Retrieved September 8, 2024.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to T.J. Watt.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=T._J._Watt&oldid=1264806528"