TJ Watt Got ‘Full-Body Chills’ From Insane Steelers Crowd

TJ Watt couldn’t wait to take the field at Acrisure Stadium Sunday against the Saints.

It showed throughout his demeanor in the Steelers’ 20-10 win, but his postgame comments kicked things up a notch.

Watt didn’t just miss the game of football. He missed the towel-twirling fans filling the seats on the North Shore.

“[It was awesome] to be able to play in front of the fans today, to be able to create an awesome atmosphere as a defense, being able to fly around, being able to pin our ears back towards the end there,” Watt said after the game. “That’s all you ask for as a defensive rush-man. So I had a lot of fun today.”

Watt certainly wasn’t the only Steelers defender having fun Sunday.

Cornerback Levi Wallace and safety Damontae Kazee each snagged an interception, while linebacker Alex Highsmith added two sacks and a forced fumble throughout the defense’s dominant outing.

Beginning with the pregame player introductions, Watt had a feeling Sunday was going to be special for the boys in black and gold.

“Those moments, it’s hard when you’re in the actual moment to feel –– I mean, you just, it’s just full-body chills and you wish you could freeze time for just one second while you’re looking around and people are going crazy,” Watt said. “But I’m just super happy more than anything today.”

While the Steelers’ performance on the field brought a smile to Watt’s face, the recurring theme throughout his postgame interview centered more on the fans.

It’s clear Watt and the entire Steelers’ defense feed off the frenzied energy inside Acrisure Stadium, and he made sure to highlight that point at the podium.

“It’s fun, man,” Watt said. “When you feel like you can control the crowd and get them involved, I’m always going to try my best. Because it is a competitive advantage, especially playing at home here. When they get loud it makes it very tough for offenses.

“But I’m here to make plays and help make a difference in the game. That’s just what I’m going to continue to try to do.”

It’s not a bad start for Watt and company.

The Steelers are now 2-0 in 2022 with Watt on the field. Now, they head into a rematch with the AFC North rival Bengals Sunday, Nov. 20, in search of win No. 4 on the year.