T.J. Watt’s 2021 season was one for the ages. The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker made a clean sweep of Defensive Player of the Year honors on Thursday night when he was named DPOY by the Associated Press at the NFL Honors. Watt’s name was announced by his older brother J.J. is a perfectly planned stroke of good luck and coincidence.
Watt had already been named the Sporting News Defensive Player of the year as well as getting the same honor from the NFL 101 awards. He also won the PFWA award. For the AP award, Watt collected 42 of 48 first-place votes.
Watt tied the league record for sacks in the season with 22.5 while playing in only 15 games. Watt’s relentless play style and all-around game set him apart from his colleagues. Watt beat out Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons for the honor.
