Steelers, Competitors Congratulate T.J. Watt on Winning Defensive Player of the Year
T.J. Watt finally accomplished a dream come true. He can now say he’s won the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award.
His Steelers teammates immediately rushed to congratulate Watt right after the suspense ended and he was announced the winner of the individual award that had alluded him with runner-up finishes.
JuJu Smith-Schuster quoted the Steelers graphic, saying “congrats to my guy!”
Congrats to my guy @_TJWatt !!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/U02DzMyO4O
— JuJu Smith-Schuster (@TeamJuJu) February 11, 2022
As far as his direct defensive partners who know more than anyone how much Watt wanted to claim this honor, Cam Heyward tweeted “he freaking did it!” while Aaron Smith made it known that Watt is just getting started.
He freaking did it!!! Congrats my @_TJWatt
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) February 11, 2022
https://twitter.com/highsmith34/status/1491960235950592018?s=21
Watt even earned the praise of his head coach Mike Tomlin. “Congrats to my guy T.J. Watt. You are proof that preparation and hard work pay off. Defensive Player of the Year looks good on you,” said Tomlin in a tweet.
Congrats to my guy T.J. Watt. You are proof that preparation and hard work pay off. Defensive Player of the Year looks good on you.
— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) February 11, 2022
While accepting the award, Watt made sure to mention he’s only now even more motivated to continue to his budding legendary career.
"I promise this only motivates me more."
Congratulations to the AP Defensive Player of the Year, @_TJWatt!
📺: #NFLHonors on ABC & NFL Network pic.twitter.com/en4dtetNKH
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 11, 2022
Even a direct competitor in Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald highlighted Watt’s stellar season during his Super Bowl media press conference, pointing out that in a world of quarterbacks winning the NFL MVP, Watt’s stats — in an injury-shortened season — stand out as capable of bringing home the league’s most prestigious honor.
And if there’s any doubt, Donald — a Penn Hills and Pitt alum — has won three Defensive Player of the Year honors during his NFL career.
Rams DT Aaron Donald on TJ: "You got a guy like TJ Watt that got all them sacks this year and made a lot of production in a short amount of time, and you know — he didn't even play every single game this year. So, that's a guy that you can talk like, he can probably be an MVP." https://t.co/o4YRp3AJPn
— Karl Ludwig (@LudwigKarl8) February 11, 2022
Love u brother @_TJWatt !!!! I’ve seen the work!!! U deserve it all!!!!Congratulations!!!! #DPOTY pic.twitter.com/iFkNMvcjYu
— Joe Haden (@joehaden23) February 11, 2022
Congrats bro well deserved !!! @_TJWatt https://t.co/yQ0AkHTFgp
— THE CORNER SUITE PODCAST (@CornerSuitePod) February 11, 2022
Unbelievably Proud of This Guy! I Never Take These Experiences For Granted! Love You Bro #DPOY pic.twitter.com/CM7Q8stLSk
— Derek Watt (@DerekWatt34) February 11, 2022
Congrats bro! No one more deserving! @_TJWatt #DPOTY https://t.co/lkPdntB4qG
— Josh Dobbs (@josh_dobbs1) February 11, 2022
BEAST !!! Should’ve been 3X DPOY . No one more deserving !! 🙏🏽🙏🏽 GREATNESS @_TJWatt https://t.co/zCzZgtSRpR
— Chukwuma Okorafor (@Chuks__76) February 11, 2022
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