Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has been a force to be reckoned with on the football field since his NFL debut in 2017. Watt, a six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro selection, even took home the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021 after an impressive season with 22.5 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss.
Despite his individual success, Watt still feels a void when it comes to playoff success. In his three playoff appearances with the Steelers in 2017, 2020, and 2021, he has yet to experience a deep playoff run. “For me, it is all about no playoff wins,” Watt expressed in a recent interview with The Athletic. He is determined to learn from experienced players who have won championships and is willing to put in the work to achieve that goal.
Looking ahead, Watt acknowledged that his time in the NFL is limited, stating, “I have always approached the game as right now, and I have never taken it for granted, and that hasn’t changed at all.” Despite facing a knee injury that sidelined him for the Steelers’ playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, Watt finished the 2023 season with an impressive 19 sacks and was a close second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
On the defensive side, Pittsburgh ranked sixth in points allowed and 21st in yards allowed last season. With Watt’s leadership and determination, the Steelers will be looking to improve their defensive performance in the upcoming season.
As Watt continues to strive for playoff success and work towards achieving his goals, fans can expect to see him give his all on the field. His dedication and passion for the game are evident in his performance, and he remains focused on making a deep playoff run with the Steelers in the future.