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TJ, JJ Watt share special moment during presentation for Defensive Player of the Year Award
By Paul Harvey
Published:
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.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.