PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt was a finalist for the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, but the entire season, it felt like he was going to be on the outside looking in at the NFL Honors show. Apparently, that’s coming true, as the All-Pro edge rusher dropped a hint that he wasn’t pleased with the results. An hour before the show, Watt tweeted, “Nothing I’m not used to,” leading many to believe he lost the Defensive Player of the Year award despite putting up a historic performance this season.
Watt likely lost to Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who was the favorite for most of the season. Garrett finished the season tied seventh in sacks with 14. He also recorded 42 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 30 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three passes defensed.
Watt, on the other hand, finished a historic season for the Steelers with 19, becoming the first player in NFL history to lead the league in sacks three different times. He also tallied 68 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 36 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, eight passes defended, an interception and a touchdown.
