T.J. Watt, the outstanding outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, did not get the NFL’s defensive player of the year honors. After the winner, Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain, Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, and Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Watt came in fourth place in the vote.
Despite receiving three first-place votes, Watt’s failure to register a statistic last month was the final straw. After sustaining thumb and ankle injuries late in the season, Watt’s output drastically decreased, even though he still had strong pressure metrics and tallied up 11.5 sacks.
Jason Kidd, head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, said that playing without Doncic felt “weird.”Jason Kidd, head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, said that playing without Doncic felt “weird.”
Watt would have won Defensive Player of the Year for the second time. Watt’s absence from the ceremony caused criticism because he finished second behind Garrett the previous year.
Watt received one vote for second place, as did Cameron Heyward, a defensive lineman with the Steelers. Heyward recorded 8.5 sacks and was selected to the First Team All-Pro team once more. After a season ruined by several groin problems, he triumphantly returned in 2023, placing him in an exclusive group for players aged 35 and up.
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