PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – TJ Watt was finally named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He got the huge, life-changing contract just before the 2021 season began. Even with all of those positives, there is still a huge piece missing from his career.
“The number one goal has always been a Super Bowl,” Watt said Thursday. “That’s not changing. That’s the goal and it hasn’t been attained. I’m just trying to be the best player I can be.”
To do that, Watt says there are multiple areas where he can improve. He not only hits the weight room, but tries new drills and not just the typical increasing his weight on a bench press. Watt says there are little details that he works on daily and he is not satisfied.
The 27-year-old has gone through all of the voluntary practices so far this spring. He’s been joined by a number of other players critical to the Steelers success. In all of the other offseason stories, or simply because the team is looking for a starting quarterback, you tend to forget the changes. It’s a defense with a new starting corner, veteran middle linebacker, the potential return of Stephon Tuitt, Tyson Alualu is back from injury, there is an additional linebackers’ coach (Brian Flores) and a new defensive coordinator (Teryl Austin).
“A little bit from the day-to-day how we do things, but overall the scheme is the same,” Watt said. “Obviously, a lot of the players are the same as well. The culture doesn’t so much change.”
For the new faces, Watt says it takes a while to learn their roles and their personalities. The six-year veteran says he’s an open book.
“There is a good core group of players to learn from,” Watt said. “No one is coming in here and being super-loud which I always appreciate. They are not trying to be someone they are not. Asking a lot of the right questions, being very attentive in meetings. That’s all you can really ask for this time of year.”
Linebacker Myles Jack, corner Levi Wallace from the Bills, third-round pick, defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal and seventh-round pick, linebacker Mark Robinson are new additions. It seems to Watt as if it was just yesterday when he was a rookie.
“It’s insane how quickly it is flying by,” Watt said. “I still feel great and feel my best football is ahead of me. I’m very excited for this season.”
“I feel this group can be really successful when we are all clicking. I think that is what this time of year is all about.”