BREAKING NEWS: T.J. Watt of the Steelers wants clarification on the DPOY Award
Pittsburgh T.J. Watt, an outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, did not attend the NFL Honors ceremony after learning he would not be winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Watt finished second in voting even though he led the league in sacks for the third time and had superior statistics to the victor, Myles Garrett, in all but one area. He’s now requesting clarification.
Watt told Pardon My Take that all he’s looking for is a clearer explanation of the award’s meaning and the procedure for winning it.
“I don’t have a problem with any of the players,” Watt stated. “Don’t get me wrong, Myles and Micah are excellent players; everyone is outstanding. All I want is more clarification on how the voting process works. You put in a lot of work, and when a 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 drive. It definitely is a legacy issue. It goes along with playing, but it’s not the reason.”
Since the sack was first recorded as an official statistic in 1980, Watt became the only player in NFL history to lead the league in sacks three separate times. With four forced fumbles, which they both recorded, the only official stat on which he did not rank higher than Garrett was this one.
Nonetheless, Garrett was double-teamed more frequently during the season and had greater pass rush win and pressure rates. As a result, he captured the hearts of the electorate and won the prize.
After the ceremony, Watt stated that he plans to use the snub as motivation. This should thrill Steelers supporters greatly as Watt looks to win another DPOY trophy the following season.
“Yeah, I think that’s up for everybody to kind of debate,” Watt responded. It was just one of those situations where I felt compelled to explain my absence to anyone who might be observing. Additionally, it was a circumstance that I’ve grown genuinely accustomed to by now, so I’m embracing it as inspiration moving ahead.”
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