If you’ve spent any time watching the T.J. Watt Pittsburgh Steelers era, you know the feeling. It’s third-and-long. The Acrisure Stadium crowd is doing that rhythmic towel-swinging thing that makes the air feel heavy. The left tackle is sweating. He should be. Because #90 is standing there, hand in the dirt or hovering in a two-point stance, looking like he’s about to ruin someone’s entire month.
Honestly, it’s getting a bit ridiculous.
We’re sitting here in 2026, and people are still debating if he’s the best in the league. Really? The man has led the league in sacks three separate times. He tied the single-season record with 22.5. He just signed a massive three-year, $123 million extension in the summer of 2025 that keeps him in the black and gold through 2028. And yet, somehow, there’s always a "but." But Myles Garrett has better win rates. But Micah Parsons is more versatile.
Steelers fans don't care about "win rates." They care about the ball being on the turf.
The Lung Scare and the 2025 Rollercoaster
Let’s talk about what actually happened last season, because it was weird. T.J. Watt was on his usual tear—seven sacks through the first stretch of the year—and then everything went sideways in December. Not because of a blindside block or a turf toe. It was a "dry needling" incident.
Basically, a routine recovery treatment at the facility went wrong and caused a partially collapsed lung.
🔗 Read more: Liverpool FC Chelsea FC: Why This Grudge Match Still Hits Different
He had to have surgery. He missed three of the final four games. For a guy who usually plays through anything short of a limb falling off, seeing him in a hospital bed was jarring. But, in typical Watt fashion, he made it back for Week 18 against the Ravens. He didn't look 100%, sure. But he was out there. That’s the thing about the T.J. Watt Pittsburgh Steelers relationship; the team’s winning percentage with him versus without him is essentially the difference between a Super Bowl contender and a top-five draft pick.
It’s not just a stat. It’s the reality of the roster.
Why the "Relentless" Tag is Actually an Understatement
Every announcer uses the word "relentless." It’s become a cliché. But if you watch the film—really watch it—it’s not just that he doesn't stop. It's how he uses his hands. Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar calls him a "slinky." He’s 6'4", 250-plus pounds, but he can bend around a corner at an angle that shouldn't be physically possible for a human spine.
He isn't just a speed rusher. He’s a technician.
Most guys have a go-to move. T.J. has a library. He’ll use the cross-chop to kill a tackle's hands, then follow it up with a dip-and-rip. If that doesn't work, he’s got the strength to just bull-rush a 320-pounder straight into the quarterback's lap. He’s also one of the few edge players who actually looks for the ball while he’s being blocked.
💡 You might also like: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
- Forced Fumbles: 36 and counting.
- Interceptions: 9 (which is absurd for an outside linebacker).
- Sacks: 115 through the end of the 2025 season.
He’s currently chasing the ghosts of Reggie White and Bruce Smith. White reached 100 sacks in 93 games. Watt did it in 109. That’s the company he’s keeping. He’s the second-fastest ever to hit that triple-digit mark.
The Contract and the 2026 Outlook
The Steelers’ front office, led by Omar Khan, didn't blink when it came time to pay up. That $123 million deal included $108 million in total guarantees. That’s "don't ever leave" money. Going into the 2026 season, Watt is the centerpiece of a defense that’s undergoing a bit of a facelift. With names like D.K. Metcalf now on the offensive side and a rotating door at quarterback (will it be a rookie? a veteran like Rodgers?), the defense remains the identity.
Watt is 31 now. In NFL years, that’s when people start looking for signs of "the cliff."
But look at his brother J.J. or even someone like James Harrison. These guys don’t just fall off; they adapt. T.J.’s game isn't purely built on 4.4 speed. It’s built on film study and leverage. He’s the guy who stays late to watch how a specific right tackle sets his feet on third-and-short. You don’t lose that with age.
What Most People Get Wrong About His "Down" Years
In 2022, he had 5.5 sacks. People called it a fluke year. He was playing with a torn pectoral and had knee surgery in the middle of the season.
📖 Related: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
In 2025, he had 7 sacks. Again, the "is he slowing down?" whispers started. He missed three games with a hole in his lung! Honestly, the fact that he was even on the field for the playoffs is a medical miracle. When he’s healthy, there is nobody—literally nobody—who impacts the game more consistently.
Think about the "Watt Factor." When he’s on the field, the secondary looks better because the QB only has 2.2 seconds to throw. The inside linebackers look better because the tackle has to cheat outside to help with T.J., leaving lanes open. It’s a literal gravitational pull.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Season
If you're following the T.J. Watt Pittsburgh Steelers saga this year, keep your eyes on a few specific things that will determine if he gets that second DPOY trophy:
- Health of the Secondary: The Steelers brought in help, but if the coverage holds for even a half-second longer, Watt’s sack numbers will skyrocket. He thrives on "coverage sacks" that aren't actually coverage sacks—they're just him winning late in the rep.
- The Nick Herbig Factor: Having a viable backup/rotation piece in Herbig means Watt can stay fresh. Watch his snap counts. If he’s playing 75% of snaps instead of 95%, his efficiency in the fourth quarter will be terrifying.
- The Sack Record Chase: He’s within striking distance of the all-time greats every single week. Every game is a potential "history" game.
The 2026 season is basically a legacy run. He’s already a Hall of Famer. Now, he’s just playing for the top spot on the podium. Don't bet against him.
To keep track of Watt's progress toward the all-time sack record, you should monitor the weekly NFL defensive rankings and the Steelers' official injury reports, as his impact is directly tied to his snap count and physical health. Check the All-Pro voting mid-season to see if the national media is finally giving him the "win rate" credit he usually loses out on. Regardless of the awards, watching him play on Sundays remains the best show in Pittsburgh.