Despite another outstanding year from T.J. Watt, the Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker lost out to Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett for the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award.
This season, Watt racked up 68 tackles, 19 sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception. Garrett had 42 tackles, 14 sacks and four forced fumbles.
Watt has earned the award once in his career in 2021 but has arguably been snubbed multiple times. Following the announcement that Garrett had won the award, fans took to social media to express their frustrations. Even Watt chimed in to let everyone know his thoughts.
TJ Watt @_TJWattNothing I'm not used to.
Joe @JFed_4TJ Watt racking up DPOY snubs like Myles Garrett racks up almost-sacks
john walker iv @realjohnwalkerTJ Watt lost out on DPOY to a guy he has more tackles, sacks, TFL's, fumble recoveries, passes defensed, INT's, QB hits, QB pressures, and touchdowns than.<br><br>Brutal.
taylornicole @ay_taybayI'm sorry. But Myles Garrett isn't DPOY for THIS season. Based off performance and statistics alone. <br><br>There were other players who I would have chosen over him, one of them is TJ Watt.
Brian Batko @BrianBatkoAs expected, Myles Garrett is voted NFL DPOY. TJ Watt has led the league in sacks three times but only has one of those awards to show for it.
Andrew Fillipponi @ThePoniExpressLet's count the ways TJ Watt was better than Myles Garrett. Watt had more:<br><br>-Tackles<br>-Sacks<br>-Tackles for loss<br>-QB Hits<br>-Interceptions<br>-Fumble recoveries<br><br>There's no comparison <a href="">
Rudy R. Reyes🎙 @rudedogreyesThey got it wrong! <a href="">@_TJWatt</a> is your actual winner. Numbers don't lie!
Teddy💛 @Teddy_20the NFL screwing TJ Watt out of another deserved DPOY award <a href="">
مطاردة العظمة @J07SEThey done robbed my boy TJ Watt
Austin @AustinPlanetTJ Watt not being voted DPOY. Again. <a href="">#NFLHonors</a> <a href="">
Blitzburgh @Blitz_BurghTJ Watt should have 3 Defensive Player of the Year Awards. Most snubbed player in a decade. <a href="">#Steelers</a> <a href="">#NFL</a>
YB Spike ひ (10-7)🖤💛 @4KTREYonSPIKEAnother Year Another Robbery for TJ Watt<br><br>Myles Garrett wasn't even better then Micah smh NFL SHOULD BE ASHAMED <a href="">
Blitzburgh @Blitz_BurghIt's official. Myles Garrett beats TJ Watt for Defensive Player of the Year. TJ Watt is snubbed again. <a href="">#Steelers</a> <a href="">#NFL</a>
While Watt was looking to take home some hardware on Thursday, he'll be looking to use the snub as motivation heading into next season.
The last time Watt was arguably snubbed in 2020, he responded by tying the NFL sacks record with 22.5 in 2021, making it impossible to deny him the award. He'll be looking for another monster year in 2024.
