Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowler T.J. Watt is on the precipice of breaking a mind-blowing NFL record
For T.J. Watt, he’s accomplished about all you can imagine on a football field. A Pro Bowler, an All-Pro, a Defensive player of the Year, second fastest ever to reach 90 career sacks and the franchise record as the Pittsburgh Steelers sack leader. And while the elusive playoffs success is what he yearns for, there […]
For T.J. Watt, he’s accomplished about all you can imagine on a football field.
A Pro Bowler, an All-Pro, a Defensive player of the Year, second fastest ever to reach 90 career sacks and the franchise record as the Pittsburgh Steelers sack leader.
And while the elusive playoffs success is what he yearns for, there is one more individual record he can attain to truly set himself apart.
Watt Chasing 3rd 19+ Sack season
Right now, Watt is tied for the lead in seasons where a pass rusher recorded 19 or more sacks. He did so during his NFL Defensive Player of the Year campaign in 2021 and again last season.
That alone put him in rarified air, joining his brother J.J. Watt, DeMarcus Ware, and Mark Gastineau as the only players to record 19 sacks or more twice in their career since sacks became an official stat.
And while T.J. approaches 30, there is no reason to think he can’t accomplish the feat for the third time and place himself atop the mountain as king of sacks.
This is a player who consistently dedicates himself to his craft. Like his brother, the Wisconsin and Midwest work ethic runs deep, which on top of his elite physical traits makes him a reoccurring nightmare for defenses.
Watt has talked about how he’s tempered his weight lifting protocol to be more pliable and bendy as offensive tackles transition to becoming lighter and more agile.
He has been outspoken about his diet and recovery and how much he just wants to win. So there is no reason to believe he will show signs of slowing down anytime soon.
But what should really help Watt this year, is the emergence of a budding star on the defensive line via Keeanu Benton.
Sure Alex Highsmith at the opposite edge and Cam Heyward a few shades to his right help eat up interior lineman that might be thrown Watt’s way.
But last years rookie standout (Keeanu Benton) could soon become a second year star that teams have no choice but to double team. And who does that help? T.J. Watt of course.
So between his dedication to his craft and the front seven around him, I would say betting on Watt to break the NFL record for most seasons with 19 or more sacks isn’t one you should hedge.