J.J. Watt. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

J.J. Watt entertains idea of joining Steelers amid T.J. Watt injury news

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 1/9/24

The Steelers (10-7) quickly ruled out NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt, who suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in Week 18, ahead of their wild-card playoff matchup against the Bills (11-6) on Sunday.

But with one Watt out, could another fill in until he's healthy?

His older brother, J.J., entertained the idea of joining Pittsburgh on social media after the news broke about his younger brother.

J.J. Watt posted a photoshopped picture of him wearing his younger brother's jersey with the caption "think they’d notice?" on X.

think they’d notice? pic.twitter.com/25E4aUfJKv
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 9, 2024

J.J. Watt would be an intriguing option if he were interested in coming out of retirement. However, that is unlikely to be the case as he just seems to be having some fun on social media.

The 34-year-old totaled 586 tackles, 114.5 sacks, 27 forced fumbles and two interceptions during his 12-year NFL career. He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times (2012, 2014-15) and last played for the Cardinals in 2022 before hanging up his cleats.

As for the Steelers, they are left searching for answers to how to fill the void left by T.J. Watt, who has a league-leading 19 sacks as well as four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, one interception and one touchdown.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said, "It's not going to take one man to replace T.J. Watt, it's going to be a committee."

The next players up in Watt's absence are veteran LB Markus Golden and rookie LB Nick Herbig. The two have combined for seven sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries this season.

Golden and Herbig must continue to take advantage of the snaps they're given to give Pittsburgh a chance to win. That is, of course, unless J.J. Watt decides to join the Steelers. But that just seems to be a dream for fans as of now.

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