Steelers Pro Bowl LB sets lofty goal for 2023 season

The 2017 first-round pick had one of the best seasons of his career in 2021, recording the record-tying 22.5 sacks along with 39 quarterback hits, a league-leading 21 tackles for loss, seven passes defended, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries across 15 games. Watt made his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl and was named First-Team All-Pro for the third straight time that year.

The 28-year-old was limited to a career-low 10 games in 2022 due to a torn pectoral muscle and knee injury, but still finished with 12 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and five passes defended. Watt was voted into his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl at the end of the campaign.

There have only been 13 instances of a player recording at least 20 sacks in a season. T.J.'s older brother, J.J. Watt, racked up 20.5 sacks in 2012 and 2014. The only players aside from T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan to collect at least 20 sacks in a season are Jared Allen, who had 22 in 2011, Mark Gastineau who finished with 22 in 1984 and Justin Houston, who had 22 in 2014.

If the younger Watt can stay healthy for a full season (he's missed 10 games over the last three years), perhaps he can challenge the all-time record.