PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – When you think about the names and the tradition for TJ Watt to pass every single one of them is impressive. For TJ Watt to lap every single one of them is insane.
Watt not only broke a tie with James Harrison Monday night getting his 81.5 career sack, he did it in 89 games. For perspective, it took Harrison 177 games. It took LC Greenwood 170 games to get 78 and Joe Greene 181 to get 77.5.
Mike Tomlin said his DNA is a big reason, obviously his brother, JJ, is one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history. Tomlin also said will, talent, commitment are in play for reasons.
"I'd be lying to you if I didn't say it was special," Watt said. "Just like anything, it hasn't set in yet. I don't know if it will until I have time to really sit down and process what just happened tonight."
Watt praised all the people along the way that helped him get to where he is including Harrison, who he said helped him so much his rookie year. He thanked his teammates, coaches, mentors, his brothers, wife, parents.
"There are so many people that go into it that it's not myself out there making the plays. I mean, I can't take all the credit."
"You know, this is a good environment and system for him," Tomlin said. "It's a lot of things that produce performance. Obviously, we're really excited about having him and appreciate what he does, but it's a lot of variables to that discussion. But he is a key component of any component of that discussion."
"He's best in the league at what he does and he shows it every week," said linebacker Alex Highsmith, who trails Watt by 58 career sacks. "Him coming out week-after-week and doing what he does. It's not secret, he works his butt off. Just being able to go to war with a guy like that is a blessing. He makes me better in all that I do. Thankful to be able to go to war with him."
"Man, he brings it every day," said veteran outside linebacker Markus Golden. "Every day, every time he steps on the field, it's to be great. To get better at what he does and perfecting his craft. He brings it every day and you are not surprised that he's the all-time sack leader for the Steelers. He deserves it."
"He's just an incredible player," said defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk. "His instincts are tremendous. Just the way he sees the game is on a different level than everyone else. Especially in practice, I see it in meetings with questions he will ask. Things he will bring up in meetings, I'm watching and would never even think about. I'm lucky and happy to be able to play with someone like that."
DNA helps, but only if you work at it. Watt keeps showing how that effort keeps paying off.
