T.J. Watt Sounds Off on Poor NFL Officiating: ‘Something Going Against Me’

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers’ defense had its worst game in nearly a month on Sunday against the Cardinals, but most of that was not due to T.J. Watt. Watt played well once again, but just like any other week, a clip of him getting held went viral, except this time, it ended up with Watt turning his ankle and hobbling off the field at one point.

“I don’t know,” Watt said after the 24-10 loss to the Cardinals. “The NFL has something going against me so I don’t want to talk any more negativity towards that. I don’t know what I did so I’ll leave it at that.”

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt celebrates a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 26, 2023. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Watt is okay, and after the game, it should be nothing serious, but he is getting fed up with some of the noncalls. That type of thing can wear a man down throughout a full season, and it appears that Watt is reaching his breaking point. He is still on pace for an elite season and is firmly in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. That minor ankle injury will help him continue to craft that case.

Watt was seen on the ground on the Steelers sideline in pain during an offensive possession. He was taken into the medical tent, taped up his ankle, and returned again.

Watt minimized the injury in his post-game press conference. When asked whether or not he was held on the play that he was injured, he went on the rant above.

Watt continues to earn high marks along with Alex Highsmith. They are a fearsome duo that most offenses can not contain without max protecting, and even then, somehow, Watt gets through the line anyway. He wrecked the game when allowed once again, but the injury did seem to hurt his efficacy down the stretch.