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Former Wisconsin star named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker and former Wisconsin star T.J. Watt has been named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week following a tremendous performance in Week 1.

Watt recorded 11 tackles, four sacks and a blocked field goal in the Steelers’ season-opening game against the Browns on Sunday, which resulted in a 21-21 tie.

Watt missed the entire preseason with a hamstring injury, but looked as good as ever in Sunday’s matchup. The four sacks were a single-game career high for the linebacker.

He’s in just his second season in the NFL.

As a rookie last fall, Watt recorded 54 tackles, seven sacks and an interception for the Steelers in 15 games. He was named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie team for his efforts last season.

Watt was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was selected 30th overall.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB