The Steelers broke through early in the first half with a gift from the Chiefs’ offense to score the first points in the game.
In a Wildcat formation, Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman handed the ball off to running back Darel Williams, but he ended up dropping it in the backfield.
Williams was able to pick the ball up again and tried to run, but Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward hit him with a big tackle from behind, forcing the ball loose again.
Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt picked the ball and sprinted towards the end zone, stiff arming Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on the way to a touchdown.
TOUCHDOWN T.J.!!!
?: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/1W6lMOPTZL
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 17, 2022
The fumble returned for a touchdown was the first by a Steeler since William Gay did it against the New York Jets in the AFC Championship on January 23, 2011.