Before the NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers and T.J. Watt were in a contract showdown. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said that the Steelers should pay the defender “whatever the heck he wants.” They ended up coming to terms and now, in Week 18, Watt is cementing all the reasons why Ben was right.
Just before halftime of the Steelers’ season-ender against the Baltimore Ravens, Watt tied Michael Strahan’s NFL record with 22.5 sacks in one season.
The sack that tied the @NFL record ⬇️@_TJWatt | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/gdipPzoXl9
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 9, 2022
Watt still has one half to try and break the record for himself now. As many have pointed out, despite the fact that this season has an extra game beyond when Strahan played, Watt also missed three games this season, which actually makes it all the more impressive.
Reminder that TJ Watt missed a couple games this year to injury, so I don’t want to see anyone put an asterisk on his sack record if he gets it.
Strahan played 16 games. Watt would be doing it in 15.
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) January 9, 2022
In his fifth NFL season, Watt has become one of the preeminent defensive players in the NFL. With almost 300 tackles, 72 sacks, and 21 forced fumbles, it’s no wonder he’s been to four Pro Bowls and been named First-team All-Pro twice, with more accolades sure to come this season.
The reactions to the record came from all over the NFL world, including from Watt’s own brother.
No words, just proud.
Unbelievable @_TJWatt
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 9, 2022
TJ Watt broke another sack record.
— Sean Gentille (@seangentille) January 9, 2022
#Steelers pass-rusher TJ Watt tied the NFL single season sack record with a sack and forced fumble. Does this lock up DPOY?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 9, 2022
TJ Watt is only half a sack shy of holding the mark himself, Huntley knows what to do if it gets to the end.. pic.twitter.com/dxCQw8uAbC
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 9, 2022
It wasn’t all fun and games for Watt, however. On the very next play, Watt went to disrupt a pass by Tyler Huntley and ended up getting punched in the nether regions for his efforts.
TJ Watt knocked this ball down then had his own balls knocked up pic.twitter.com/DIgh2K2jtg
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 9, 2022
Brother J.J. was quick to point out the timing of everything, as only older brothers can.
Got the All-Time NFL Sack Record on one play, got kneed in the nuts on the next play.
Life comes at ya fast @_TJWatt
😂😂
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 9, 2022
We’ll see if Watt can break the record in the second half as the Steelers try to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
[Steelers]
