There's no doubt in Pittsburgh Steelers fans that star TJ Watt will return to his usual self in 2023. The five-time Pro Bowler missed seven games in 2022, but he's now fully healthy and ready to prove doubters wrong. On Monday, ESPN's list ranked him fourth amongst the best edge rushers. As far as his life off the field, neither of his brothers are on an NFL team at the moment.
Derek Watt, whom TJ spent the past three years with in Pittsburgh, remains a free agent. Despite being a core special teamer, the Steelers let Derek walk this offseason. The fullback position continues to be phased out, which seems to be the main reason as to why he hasn't been signed yet. JJ Watt retired this offseason after an impressive 12-year career.
Over the years, JJ was connected to the Steelers due to the connection to his two brothers on the team. Well, recently, he admitted that Pittsburgh was a legitimate option back in 2021. He opted against signing with the Steelers due to his brother's contract situation, but it nearly came to fruition. After his retirement earlier this offseason, JJ quickly announced that he is now a Steelers fan in support of TJ.
On Tuesday, the two brothers put on social media that they will be appearing on the cover of the cereal box Wheaties together. Derek is not on the box with them, as no offense to the seven-year NFL veteran, he's nowhere near the household name that his brothers are. Wheaties boxes have forever been memorable for the athletes that they put on the cover, and the Watt brothers grew up eating this cereal. Now, they can cross that off the bucket list. JJ revealed the legendary moment on Twitter in a video:
"You dream about it growing up, very excited that I just received my box. Oh come on, TJ's on the box," JJ joked in a Twitter post. "Three Defensive Player of the Year awards, he's got one and we share the box? It's still awesome, but I'm gonna have a conversation with someone over at Wheaties about this."
Yep, JJ has TJ edged in Defensive Player of the Year Awards. This past season though, TJ's fifth Pro Bowl appearance tied his brother JJ. With a sixth consecutive honor in 2023, he would already pass his retired brother in that accomplishment. TJ has played just six NFL seasons, so he (hopefully) has plenty left in the tank. He will need a few more elite seasons in order to put together a Hall of Fame-caliber career.
Where does this rank amongst Steelers star player accomplishments?
Earlier this week, The 33rd Team put together a list of current, active players that have a shot at the Hall of Fame. Somehow, TJ was left completely off the list. Now, you know he will be even more motivated in his seventh NFL season in 2023. Regardless, now he gets to join a select crowd of talented athletes that have graced the cover of one of best cereal brands. TJ revealed the news in a video that he uploaded via Instagram, where he went through his childhood memories of eating the well-known breakfast option.
For JJ, his HOF odds seem to be a bit better. Despite just five Pro Bowl appearances and an injury-ridden back half of his career, he feels like a lock to make it to Canton. JJ is one of just three players in NFL history that have three Defensive Player of the Year awards. Aaron Donald and Lawrence Taylor are the two others, which is quite the group to be apart of.
How good of a duo would JJ and TJ have been along the defensive front in Pittsburgh? Do you think TJ will end up in Canton in the Hall of Fame?
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