T.J. Watt
just got paid the highest annual salary for a pass rusher in NFL history by the
Pittsburgh Steelers
, but NFL offensive linemen have feared the star outside linebacker for years.
ESPN’s Sam Acho revealed that at the Offensive Line Masterminds summit, which was created by
Philadelphia Eagles
tackle
Lane Johnson
and renowned offensive line trainer Duke Manyweather, they have a dedicated course and session to just stopping Watt.
“He’s feared by offensive linemen,” he said on ‘
NFL Live’
. “I was at the O-Line Masterminds, they have a full breakdown on, ‘Okay, how do we try to stop or slow down T.J. Watt.’ So yes, it’s well-deserved.”
This is not a surprise. Johnson, who is one of the best tackles in football, has talked about how awful it is going up against Watt, saying after their matchup last year that he has ‘nightmares’ of facing the Steelers pass rusher.
“I had (expletive) nightmares of that guy (T.J. Watt),” Johnson said. “When you watch people play this guy, they don’t ever leave him alone. They chip him every play. Coaches believe in me. I’m glad they do, but I may have a couple shots tonight.”
Watt, 30, had 11.5 sacks a season ago and dealt with multiple injuries that cooled him off down the stretch. Before the injuries, Watt was the odds-on favorite to win the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Award, which would have been his second in a storied career.
Drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Watt tied the single-season sack record in 2021 with 22.5 sacks. Over his Steelers career, he has accumulated 108 career sacks, surpassing the team’s previous record. Now, this contract makes it likely Watt will retire a Steeler, something that the superstar notably wanted to do at the end of the season.
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
-
Micah Parsons believes sleeper Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback could be a gem: ‘He is ferocious’
-
Steelers legend praises massive contract extension for T.J. Watt: ‘Had to do it’
-
Aaron Rodgers completes his offseason training before heading to Steelers training camp in new video
-
Steelers star admits All-Pro teammate didn’t ‘play up his standards’ in 2024
-
Under-the-radar Steelers wide receiver trade target ruled out
