It’s award season in the NFL, and T.J. Watt is likely to be attached to many of them. While the Pro Football Writers of America snubbed him for Defensive Player of the Year — Aaron Donald was the recipient — 101 Awards made the right move by selecting Watt as its AFC Defensive Player of the Year honoree.
In the 101 Awards’ 51-year history, winners are chosen by a national selection committee that includes 101 national media that cover the NFL.
According to Steelers.com, T.J.’s older brother J.J., a defensive end for the Houston Texans, won the award four times. They became the only siblings to win player of the year honors.
On the season, Watt led the league with 15 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. He registered 41 quarterback hits, 53 total tackles, an interception, two forced fumbles and 73 pressures.
Watt, who was voted the Steelers MVP for the second straight year, was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month (September, October).
The most coveted accolade — the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award — will be presented Saturday, Feb. 6, during the NFL Honors ceremony. Player of the year awards are the most well-regarded in football, and T.J. Watt is overdue to be named DPOY.
