Steelers' TJ Watt Recalls Devastating Hit 'I Heard A Noise And I Knew He Was Probably Not Coming Back Out'

Pittsburgh Steelers' star outside linebacker, TJ Watt, has been widely considered one of the best defensive players in the NFL over the past five years. He brought home the NFL's Defensive Player Of The Year Award for his performance during the 2021 NFL season, in which he tied the single-season record for sacks with 22.5. Since being drafted by Pittsburgh in 2017, Watt has been to the Pro Bowl five times, been selected as a First Team All-Pro three times, was a Second Team All-Pro once, and has led the NFL in sacks twice. On the most recent episode of Ben Roethlisberger's podcast, Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger, Watt discussed his strategy when sacking the quarterback.

Steelers' TJ Watt Breaks Down His Strategy When Pass Rushing

Since Watt was drafted with the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, he has recorded the most sacks in the NFL with 77.5. This makes him one of the most feared pass rushers in football, and one of the few defensive players who have the potential to make an impact on every play. During the podcast, Roethlisberger begins to discuss how violent of a player James Harrison was when it came to sacking the quarterback. He brought up how Watt is quite the opposite and it seems he likes going for the ball more, which Watt then explained. 

"With all the fines these days, compared to being able to change the game, I feel like if you tackle the football, you're gonna avoid going low on the knees or high to the head and your gonna have the chance to make an impact every time your around the quarterback." 

Watt's strategy when sacking the quarterback is extremely successful as he led the NFL in strip-sacks during the 2021 season, providing a chance for the Steelers to take the ball from their opponents. He also plays this way to avoid being fined due to hitting the quarterback in the head or below the knees. Ironically, the strategy that has helped him stay away from being fined when sacking the quarterback has gotten him fined before when trying to get the ball away from a ballcarrier. During a Sunday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2021 NFL season, Watt was attempting to punch the ball out of the arms of Seahawks' running back Alex Collins. This led to a $10,815 fine from the NFL for unnecessary roughness.

TJ Watt Discusses His Biggest Hit

Watt has delivered many impactful hits and performed countless highlight-level plays since entering the league, however he claims that his biggest hit on a quarterback came during his college days. While discussing the ruthlessness of Harrison, Roethlisberger asked Watt if had ever had a hit on a quarterback where he could feel their soul leave their body, and Watt went onto describe a hit he had in college on Penn State quarterback Trace McSorely.

"I had a hit on Trace McSorely in college where I heard a noise and I knew he was probably not coming back out. I wasn't happy he got hurt, but it was definitely a message sent type of thing."

This shows Watt has the power and the ability to deliver some gut wrenching hits, however he prefers that strategized approach that will make an impact right away and help his team win the game. Watt has recently expressed his frustrations with the lack of playoff success the Steelers have had, maybe with this strategy and Watt being back to full health the Steelers' will be able to make some noise in the post season in 2023. 

Watt is coming off of a 2022 season where he was only able to play in 10 games throughout the year, yet was still able to make an impact. He recorded two interceptions, one forced fumble, five-and-a-half sacks, and 39 tackles. This upcoming year, Watt expects to be a healthy and improved version of himself, which will help the Steelers become more successful.