In what was one of the most expected awards given out at the NFL Honors awards ceremony on Thursday night, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt received the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) honors.
Having just completed his fifth season, the four-time Pro Bowler took home DPOY for the first time in his career.
Big brother J.J. Watt presented him with the award.
Some moments are just special.
Couldn’t be more proud of you @_TJWatt
Truly. #KeepChasing pic.twitter.com/QlpJ7VOycp
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 11, 2022
Of course, J.J. Watt was happy for his brother, but others extended their congratulations to T.J. including teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick.
What Fitzpatrick Posted
Fitzpatrick posted on Instagram a short but heartfelt message to Watt.
“Congrats my brother. Grateful to share the field with you @tjwatt90”
Minkah Fitzpatrick on T.J. Watt winning DPOY. #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/dAiejaB0hG
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) February 11, 2022
Final Votes Reveal It Was Not Close
Many considered Watt the overwhelming favorite to earn the award.
Voting reinforced just how true that was.
Watt earned 42 of 50 possible votes, and Micah Parsons and Aaron Donald earned the remaining 8 votes.
Minor correction: Watt received 42 votes, not 40. Rest of info is correct. https://t.co/YNHBZIi6pE
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 11, 2022
Watt In 2021
One of his crowning achievements in the 2021 season was tying Michael Strahan‘s single-season sack record of 22.5.
He did it while playing only 15 of the 17 regular-season games.
#Steelers OLB TJ Watt is the winner of the 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year. Watt tied Michael Strahan's single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks – and he did it in just 15 games. A historic season ends with a well-deserved honor.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 11, 2022
It is not hard to envision Watt breaking this record sometime during his career.
He is 27 years old and in his prime.
Watt is the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL after signing a four-year extension worth $112 million on September 9, 2021.
What Is On Watt’s Radar For 2022?
In 77 career games, he has recorded 72 sacks.
He is already ranked third among Steelers players and has played half of the games of the players he is chasing.
They are James Harrison with 80.5 sacks in 177 career games and Jason Gildon with 76.5 sacks in 157 games.
Barring injury, Watt should become the Steelers’ all-time sack leader during the 2022 season.
Also, he would probably like to add another DPOY award to his resume with the long-term goal of catching up with brother J.J. who has won the award three times.
Watching Watt chase Steelers history is just one of the interesting storylines the NFL has to offer in 2022.
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