Pittsburgh Steelers‘ star edge rusher TJ Watt had a truly dominant 2023 season, finishing with 48 solo tackles, 20 assists, 19 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one interception in 17 games. It was a one-of-a-kind year, and many pundits believed TJ should have been rewarded with the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Award. Despite his impressive stats, the award went to Cleveland Browns star pass rusher Myles Garrett, who finished behind TJ in nearly every key metric used to measure a defensive player’s impact.

Matt Freed / ap photo

Steelers’ TJ Watt sacks Browns’ Deshaun Watson in Pittsburgh, PA.

TJ’s brother, JJ Watt, shared his thoughts on the snub, but he remained respectful when discussing Garrett’s greatness. JJ acknowledged Garrett’s talent and downplayed the controversy, taking a mature approach to the situation. However, Garrett, known for his competitive nature, took the opportunity to fire back after a dominant outing against Pittsburgh on Thursday night, using the Watt brothers’ comments as fuel for his three-sack, one-forced fumble performance.

Garrett’s recent comments have shown a cocky edge, as he has subtly jabbed at both TJ and JJ. JJ, appearing on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, was asked about Garrett’s trash talk. While JJ maintained his respectful stance, it was clear that Garrett’s words hadn’t gone unnoticed, and the rivalry between the Watt brothers and Garrett is far from over.

“What happened? I am curious,” JJ said. “I have literally never said a bad thing about the guy. What happened? Find one negative comment I have ever said about the man. Please I literally only speak positively about him.”

JJ Watt has every reason to be confused by Garrett’s claim that he gave him fuel.

Pat McAfee Show

JJ Watt on The Pat McAfee Show talking about his brother Steelers’ TJ Watt.

All JJ did was support his brother, TJ, with facts, not take shots at Garrett. Yet, Garrett twisted JJ’s words to create motivation, despite the respectful nature of JJ’s comments.

“I mean I have gone on this show and praised him before,” JJ said. “I have gone on CBS and praised him before and I have tweeted many positive things about him. The guy is an unbelievable player, I have never once in my life said he is not a phenomenal player. Same the other way, like TJ has never said anything either. I am very confused why… like there is zero negativity towards Myles Garrett. He is a great football player.”

JJ seemed a bit frustrated by Garrett twisting his words, especially since all JJ did was support his brother, TJ, with facts. In fact JJ even pointed out the social media post he sent out when the award was announced. JJ’s post on social media couldn’t have been more respectful.

Garrett appeared upset that the Watt brothers overshadowed his award win, but some would argue that if your thunder was stolen, it was for good reason. The stats clearly pointed to TJ having a better defensive season in 2023, but Garrett still took home the award.

Steelers’ TJ Watt And Brother JJ Did Nothing Wrong

Both JJ and TJ handled the situation with respect and have every right to stand up for what they believe is right or wrong. Garrett, of course, has the right to claim it motivated him. While Garrett may feel good after his dominant performance, TJ is still the favorite to win DPOY in 2024, and his team is 8-3.

Matt Durisko / ap photo

Steelers’ TJ Watt meets with Browns’ Myles Garrett after a game.

Meanwhile, Garrett’s Browns are 3-8, yet Garrett is celebrating. TJ will likely be fueled by this and could have the last laugh. It’s surprising how much Garrett seemed to be bothered by JJ standing up for his brother. One thing is for sure, Garrett hasn’t handled the situation with as much respect as the Watt brothers did.