Linebacker TJ Watt has definitely accomplished a lot during the seven-year run in the NFL so far. But during that time, the Pittsburgh Steelers star on the biggest regret of his career in the league.
After being selected in the first round by the Steelers in 2017, T.J. Watt wasted no time making an impact in the NFL. The linebacker was a key contributor as the Steelers earned a playoff berth in his rookie season, recording two combined tackles and a pass deflection in a narrow postseason loss.
In the years that followed, Watt cemented his status as one of the league’s premier defensive players. Last season, he further solidified his legacy, tying the Steelers franchise record for career sacks and becoming the first player to lead the NFL in sacks three times since the stat was officially tracked.
Watt’s 2023 campaign, which included 68 tackles, 19 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown, earned him widespread recognition. However, his standout season was cut short when a knee injury sidelined him for the Steelers’ playoff game against the Buffalo Bills, ultimately leading to their elimination.
Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker TJ Watt Admits Biggest NFL Career Regret
During his time in the NFL, Watt has earned the respect of many by achieving so much within seven years. Apart from his accomplishments, the Steelers star got real and admitted his biggest regret, as written in an article by Matt Hladik for The Spun.
“But all of those individual accomplishments can’t erase what is the biggest hole on Watt’s resume at the moment: he’s never won a playoff game.
“For me, it is all about no playoff wins,” Watt told The Athletic‘s Mark Kaboly about his overriding goal. “I am trying to do anything I can do. We have so much turnover year to year and so many new guys that it is trying to learn as much as possible coming from guys from other organizations that have done it and won championships since being in the league,” Hladik wrote.
As it stands, Watt has only played three playoff games in 2017, 2020, and 2021. All of those contests ended in a loss for the Pittsburgh star.
It remains to be seen whether Watt can rectify that regret in the coming season or his losing streak will continue. Nevertheless, expect the linebacker to give it his best shot if he makes it back to the playoffs.
