BREAKING NEWS: T.J. Watt discusses his concerns with the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year voting process.
Edge rusher T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers did not take home the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year trophy in 2023, despite being the only player to lead the league in sacks for three consecutive seasons since the merger in 1970.
In a recent interview with the Barstool Sports podcast “Pardon My Take,” Watt said that he wasn’t against Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett taking home the prize; rather, Watt objected to the lack of clarity in the selection process.
Watt declared, “I don’t have a problem with any players.””Everyone is outstanding. Don’t get me wrong, Micah [Parsons] and Myles are excellent players. The voting is all that’s wrong. I’d like additional information on how all of that works.
The night of the NFL Awards, Watt spoke up about his thoughts regarding the matter via X, even if he didn’t specifically mention Garrett’s victory.
Garrett and Watt both have successful statistical seasons.
Pro Football Focus reports that although they had the same amount of pressures (86) and forced fumbles (four), Watt had the advantage in sacks (19 to 15), quarterback hits (19 to 14), and tackles for loss (19 to 17). Meanwhile, Garrett outperformed Watt in hurries (57 to 47) and pass-rush win-rate (35.1% to 20.3%).
Both were selected for the First Team All-Pro and were named to the Pro Bowl.
Watt would have become just the fourth player since 2000 to win the NFL Defensive POY award more than once, and the ninth player in NFL history overall, if he had taken home the trophy. In 2012, 2014, and 2015, Watt’s elder brother J.J. took home the trophy three times.
Watt continued, “It really is a legacy thing.” It goes along with playing, but it’s not the reason. .. You put in a lot of work, and when the season ends without winning the Super Bowl, you want to cling to the idea that your efforts were worthwhile. And while it hurts to not get it, in the end, it gives you more motivation.
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