Steelers Now
All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt is going to do everything he can to reward the Pittsburgh Steelers for paying him.
Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt is fully focused on football after he officially inked his three-year, $123 million contract extension, and he has made a big promise to fans.
Watt, who has yet to win a playoff game in his NFL career, vows to end the Steelers’ postseason win drought, which was extended to eight years with the team’s 28-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round of the playoffs last season.
“Winning a Super Bowl is no doubt motivating me, and winning a playoff game is absolutely motivating me,” Watt said. “It is something we haven’t been able to do since I’ve been there. I think that’s absolutely unacceptable and that is attached to my name right now. And I have to answer for it, as much as it sucks. When you say T.J. Watt, you say T.J. Watt has not won a playoff game. It genuinely bothers me because I’m part of those teams.”
Watt, 30, has already put together a Hall of Fame worthy resume as a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, four-time first-team All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowler and record holder for the most sacks in a season (22.5).
Since being drafted in the first round (No. 30 overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, he has recorded 462 tackles, 108 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, seven interceptions and 50 passes defesned.
However, Watt’s inability to win a playoff game seems to be the one asterisk on his resume. He will have several more opportunities to change that as his new contract makes it very likely he will retire with Pittsburgh.
Watt must continue to evolve his game, though, coming off the least productive season of his NFL career.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: T.J. Watt Makes Big Promise After Signing Extension with Steelers
