Steelers’ TJ Watt Hospitalized With Concerning Health Issue

TJ Watt is dealing with a worrying lung issue ahead of his team’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15.

Watt, an eight-year NFL veteran, has been with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the entirety of his career. His name did come up in trade rumors and proposals during the offseason. However, he signed a four-year, $123 million deal to remain with the franchise back in July.

The 31-year-old’s status for the upcoming game is now unknown. According to an announcement from the Steelers, shared by spokesperson Burt Lauten, Watt is in hospital.

Lauten noted that the player experienced discomfort in practice on Wednesday and is having one of his lungs evaluated at a local hospital.

“T.J. Watt is currently in a local hospital for further medical evaluation of his lung after experiencing discomfort at the practice facility on Wednesday,” he wrote on X.

He added:

“He will not be at practice on Thursday, and his status for Monday night’s game vs. Miami is in question. Coach Tomlin will provide more updates at the appropriate time.”

Update on #Steelers LB T.J. Watt: pic.twitter.com/ngNBnwhBAK

— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) December 11, 2025

TJ Watt Has Previously Been Hospitalized With Serious Concerns

Watt’s hospitalization is not his first, at least where it pertains to a serious issue.

He nearly died after a severe allergic reaction to a bowl of pesto while on holiday in Italy with his brothers, JJ and Derek, around 10 years ago.

JJ told the story on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ in 2023.

He claimed that they had no idea pesto was made of tree nuts and that TJ, who has a nut allergy, stopped breathing at the table.

“We had to get him to the Italian hospital,” Watt recalled. “It was one of the scariest experiences of my life because they wouldn’t let me go back with him either. They took him back there when he literally wasn’t breathing and for 45 min to an hour, Derek and I had no idea whether he was going to make it… This was 2014-15ish.”

Watt has played 13 games for Pittsburgh this season. He’s recorded 53 combined tackles, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. He would be a huge miss for the team if he can’t play on Monday.

We wish him the best.