TJ, JJ Watt share special moment during presentation for Defensive Player of the Year Award
It’s official, T.J. Watt is officially the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year in the NFL! After finishing as a runner-up in 2020, Watt took home the top honor Thursday evening.
During the 2021 season, Watt set the Pittsburgh Steelers single-season record and tied the NFL’s single-season record with 22.5 sacks. Making that more impressive, Watt appeared in just 15 games and added 21 TFL, 39 QB hits, 7 passes deflected, and 5 forced fumbles.
22.5 sacks.@_TJWatt is the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year! #NFLHonors (by @CastrolUSA) pic.twitter.com/5gJWkCnSmd
— NFL (@NFL) February 11, 2022
To make the moment all the more special, Watt’s award was presented by older brother and 3-time AP DPOY winner J.J. Watt. The two shared a special embrace as J.J. welcomed T.J. to the podium.
From one DPOY to another.
From one brother to another.What a moment for @JJWatt & @_TJWatt
📺: #NFLHonors on ABC & NFL Network pic.twitter.com/h9ye6Y8gi6
— NFL (@NFL) February 11, 2022
After signing a new contract with the Steelers this offseason, Watt made good on his end by turning in a dynamic season for Pittsburgh’s defense. Though the team ultimately fell short in an ugly playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Watt remains a game-changer for the Steelers and is more than deserving of the DPOY Award.