TJ Watt

Trent Jordan "T. J." Watt is an American football outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Wisconsin, and was drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. His older brothers are J. J. Watt of the Arizona Cardinals and Derek Watt who is a teammate of his on the Steelers. He was a finalist for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019 and 2020. In 2021, Watt signed a 4-year extension worth over $112 million including $80 million guaranteed, making him the highest paid defensive player in the NFL.

By the end of his third season in 2019, Watt had established himself as one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, tallying an AFC-high 14.5 sacks and a league-high eight forced fumbles. He was voted Team MVP by his teammates, being the first defensive player to win the award since Troy Polamalu in 2010. Watt was voted All-Pro as both edge rusher (1st Team) and linebacker (2nd Team). He was also nominated for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, finishing third in voting. Following the season, Watt was ranked 25th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

Watt continued to improve going into the 2020 season. At seasons end, Watt led the NFL in sacks (15), tackles for loss (23) and quarterback hits (41). He was nominated for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, finishing second in voting. Watt played in the Steelers lone playoff game, recording three combined tackles and deflected a pass as the Steelers lost to the Browns 48-37 in the AFC Wild Card Round. Prior to the upcoming season, Watt's peers voted him #9 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2021.