The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed linebacker T.J. Watt to a new four-year contract. Watt, who was named the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and was a finalist in 2024, has been a key player for the Steelers since being drafted in the first round in 2017.
Watt is recognized as the Steelers’ all-time sack leader with 108 career sacks. He achieved his 100th career sack against the Dallas Cowboys during Week 5 of the 2024 season. Watt became the second-fastest player to reach this milestone, following Hall of Famer Reggie White.
Bill Cowher, Hall of Fame Coach, praised Watt’s abilities: “You have to put two guys on this man,” Cowher said. “He can wreak havoc in a game.”
Watt has played and started in all 121 games since his rookie season, recording impressive statistics including 460 tackles and seven interceptions. In 2024, he was voted by teammates as the Steelers Most Valuable Player for a record fifth time.
Coach Mike Tomlin commented on Watt’s performance: “No question he is relentless,” Tomlin said. “He’s driven.”
Watt also earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance against the New York Giants in Week 8.
Joe Greene, former Steelers player, spoke highly of Watt: “You definitely have to say that he could have played with us because of the intensity that he brings to the game.”
Throughout his career, Watt has accumulated numerous accolades including seven Pro Bowl selections and multiple All-Pro honors.
