Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt has done it again. In a Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Watt recorded his 82nd career sack, breaking the NFL record for the most sacks in the first 100 games of a player’s career. This remarkable feat has once again placed Watt in the conversation as one of the greatest defensive players of all time.
The Steelers’ 24-17 win was largely due to Watt’s dominance on the field. He registered two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown, turning the tide of the game. Watt’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses is unmatched, and his relentless pursuit of the quarterback has made him one of the most feared players in the league.
Fans and analysts alike are now asking: Can T.J. Watt surpass the likes of Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White, and J.J. Watt (his older brother) as the greatest defensive player in NFL history? While it’s too early to make that call, Watt’s resume is already impressive. In addition to breaking the sack record, he is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year finalist, and his impact on the Steelers’ defense cannot be overstated.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was effusive in his praise for Watt after the game, saying, “He’s a game-changer. T.J. is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better. He’s relentless, and his ability to make big plays when we need them is second to none.”
Watt’s achievements come at a crucial time for the Steelers, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season. With Watt leading the charge, Pittsburgh’s defense has been one of the best in the league this year, and they look poised to make a deep playoff run.
But Watt isn’t resting on his laurels. In a post-game interview, he downplayed his record-breaking performance, saying, “I’m just focused on helping my team win. The records are nice, but it’s about winning championships.”
As the season progresses, T.J. Watt’s performance will be critical to the Steelers’ success. If he continues playing at this level, there’s no doubt that he will go down as one of the greatest defenders in NFL history—and possibly even the greatest of them all.
