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Wisconsin Nails it With Reaction to T.J. Watt's Historic NFL Contract

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 7:05 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers have finally addressed one of their biggest sagas in the offseason, with the AFC North franchise handing superstar linebacker T.J. Watt a massive three-year contract extension worth $123 million.

The deal, which came just less than a week before Steelers players and staff converge at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, for training camp, is also the biggest for a non-quarterback in the history of the NFL, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Watt's record-breaking contract has sent shockwaves across the football world. Of course, it reached Madison as well.

On social media, the Wisconsin Badgers shared their reaction to Watt's staggering deal with the Steelers.

"Increasing the Wattage Congrats on making history (again), @_TJWatt!

increasing the Wattage

Congrats on making history (again), @_TJWatt!#OnWisconsin x #MadeInMadison pic.twitter.com/TrVmtSg6P4
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) July 18, 2025

As referenced by the Badgers, this is the second time that Wat set a new record for the biggest non-QB NFL contract, which comes with an average annual value of $41 million.

Based on his resume, there's a strong case to be had for why he deserves such a payout. Watt, who played two seasons with the Badgers from 2015 to 2016, is a seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro.

Through eight seasons in the NFL, he has recorded a total of 108.0 sacks, including a career-high 22.5 quarterback takedowns in 2021. Over the last two seasons, 30-year-old Watt has 30.5 sacks, 129 combined tackles and 63 quarterback hits.

Selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft as the 30th pick overall, Watt is under contract with Pittsburgh until the end of the 2028 NFL season.

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

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