PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – “It just feels so good to smile right now.”
Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt after signing a reported five-year, 122 million dollar contract with 80 million guaranteed. Watt said he got a message from his agent after practice on Thursday that there was an offer.
“I returned their phone call and said ‘are you serious, this isn’t a joke’. They said this is 100% serious. I said let’s absolutely do that deal.”
Watt wouldn’t get into the specifics of the back-and-forth with the team.
“It was a long process,” Watt said. “I’ve had two brothers who have gone through it. They weren’t much help when it came to remembering what it was like. I kind of understand that now.”
“I remember asking JJ early on how did his negotiations go? He goes ‘once you sign on the dotted line you kind of forget what happened leading up to that moment’. That’s the way it’s been for me too. Now I’m just focused on playing football.”
Watt said both of his brothers were very involved with this process. He said it’s special to be able to share these moments with his family. Watt said his brothers, family and fiancé gave him perspective during this time.
He also had two of the Steelers captains, Ben Roethlisberger and Cam Heyward, and his defensive coordinator, Keith Butler, publicly stand up and support him.
“I want to thank to extend a thank you to my teammates,” Watt said. “I know it’s been tough watching me on the sidelines. They could have given me so much grief for not practicing. Handling the situation the way I did. No one gave me a hard time. I really, truly in the bottom of my heart appreciate those guys.”
Watt said his agent would tell them about the comments made by teammates. He was also up-to-date on what was written and said by the media.
“When you go through something like this and you are trying to stand up for what you believe in and you do it by yourself,” Watt said. “Having reassurance from the people you care about the most means a lot. There are definitely moments through this whole process you almost feel like you are by yourself. That’s why it’s so important.”
“It is my mission in this room to prove them right. They made the right decision. That hunger has not gone away. It has gotten stronger. I’m so happy to be here in the City of Pittsburgh for many, many more years to come. A Super Bowl is definitely a true possibility. I believe that in my heart of hearts. I’m going to do everything I can to make that happen.”
Head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Kevin Colbert stood off to the side while Watt answered questions. Neither would discuss the negotiations, but Watt says he feels like from his draft day, he landed in the right spot.
“This was a dream to play for an organization like this,” Watt said. “It’s everything from on the field to off the field. On the field, it’s a 3-4 defense. I’m an outside linebacker. That is a players dream.”
“To play for Blitzburgh, to play for this city, to play for the fans is also a dream. To play for the Rooney family is also a dream. I get chills talking about it being a part of an organization that has such rich tradition. It’s not some billionaire that bought a team and started it because he had all this money. This is a team built off tradition.”
Asked if he’s now ready for the scrutiny and attention that comes with every move made by someone signing a huge contract.
“I’ve been dealing with pressure by whole life,” Watt said. “I’m built for this. I truly believe nothing monetary will change me. I guarantee everyone in this building. I am hungry.”