Steelers LB T.J. Watt Breaks Franchise Single Season Sacks Record

PITTSBURGH – He’s far from done, but Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt now holds a significant place in franchise history. Watt now holds the record for the most sacks by a Steelers player in a single season.

The All-Pro linebacker, who is making a case for his first career Defensive Player of the Year honor after being runner-up last season, broke James Harrison’s record by being credited with a half sack in the first quarter of Pittsburgh’s game against the Titans on Sunday.

Watt tied Harrison while recording 3.5 sacks in the comeback win over Baltimore. His monster game against the Ravens also earned Watt recognition as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season. He then left the Steelers 36-28 loss on Thursday Night Football in Minnesota early, failing to record a sack.

Harrison posted 16 sacks en route to being named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year for the 2008 season.

After adding another sack and a half in the game, Watt now has 17.5 sacks on the season. Watt has also totaled 36 tackles and 4 forced fumbles in 13 games in 2021.