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T.J. Watt Bracing For Punishment From NFL Before 2025 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 9:13 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have a lot to be excited about going into the 2025 NFL season after bringing in former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

While Rodgers may have been in attendance to start Pittsburgh's mandatory minicamp (June 10-12) on Tuesday, star pass rusher T.J. Watt was not.

Watt, a six-time All-Pro, has one year left on his four-year, $112 million deal and is seeking an extension with the Steelers. While he awaits a new contract, he has chosen to sit out of mandatory minicamp, missing both Tuesday and Wednesday’s sessions.

While Watt is seeking more money during his holdout, he’ll likely have to spend some, too, as a consequence.

According to the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, a player who misses one day of training camp is subject to a fine of $17,462. Missing a second day of minicamp will lead to a separate fine of $34,925, and missing a third will cost you $52,381.

Watt has already missed two days of training camp, leaving his current fine at $52,387. If he does miss the final day of minicamp on Thursday, his total fine amount would end up at $104,768.

Fines for #NFL players who miss mandatory minicamp:

1st Day: $17,462
2nd Day: $34,925
3rd Day: $52,381
Total: $104,768
— Spotrac (@spotrac) June 10, 2025

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson is also another notable minicamp holdout, and he will likely be fined the same amount as Watt.

During his eighth season with the Steelers (2024), Watt continued to play at a high level. The former Wisconsin Badgers standout recorded 61 tackles, 11.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and two recoveries.

Pittsburgh will open up the 2025 NFL season on Sunday, September 7, facing Rodgers' former team, the Jets, in New York City.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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