T.J. Watt Surpasses J.J. Watt on NFL Career Sack List

UPDATE: In a thrilling moment during Sunday’s game, T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers has officially passed his older brother, J.J. Watt, on the NFL’s all-time career sack list. With a total of 115 career sacks, T.J. has now secured the 26th position, marking a significant achievement in his career.

The historic sack occurred during the second quarter of the Steelers’ match against the Chicago Bears on October 15, 2023. T.J.’s impressive strip-sack of quarterback Caleb Williams led to a touchdown, giving the Steelers a vital 14-7 lead. The ball was recovered by linebacker Nick Herbig in the end zone, showcasing a pivotal play that not only highlighted T.J.’s talent but also shifted the momentum of the game.

J.J. Watt, now a color analyst for CBS Sports, expressed pride in his brother’s accomplishment, stating,

“Hell of a way to break my record.”

J.J. is renowned for his Hall of Fame career with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, where he was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year.

T.J. reflected on his brother’s legacy, admitting, “I was spoiled to be able to watch him play. He was getting 1-2 sacks, three TFLs a game. It just seemed so normal that I took it for granted.” His words resonate as he recognizes the difficulties of achieving such success in the NFL.

Drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, T.J. quickly made his mark, earning his first Pro Bowl selection in 2018, and capturing three consecutive All-Pro nods starting in 2019. His peak came in 2021 when he won Defensive Player of the Year, breaking Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record.

J.J. Watt, who retired after the 2022 season, has consistently praised T.J.’s skills, stating, “I think he’s the best defensive player in the game.” With both brothers setting records and raising the bar in NFL history, this sibling rivalry continues to inspire players and fans alike.

As the Steelers look to build on this momentum, the focus will shift to how T.J. Watt can further his career and potentially climb higher on the all-time sack list. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this dynamic unfolds in the coming games.

This remarkable achievement is not just a personal victory for T.J. Watt; it highlights the legacy of both brothers and their impact on the game. As the NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on T.J. as he aims to solidify his place among the league’s greats.