T.J. Watt Declares Himself the Top Defender: ‘The Numbers Speak for Themselves’ — Steelers Star Sets the Tone for 2025

T.J. Watt is entering the 2025 NFL season with one message: he’s not just great—he’s the best. The Pittsburgh Steelers superstar outside linebacker made headlines this week with an assertive proclamation that left little room for debate: “I’m the best defender in football. The stats prove it.”

The 2024 campaign saw Watt deliver yet another dominant performance, tallying 17.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and scoring twice on defense. With production like that, Watt feels his standing among the league’s elite defenders is undeniable.

If you know football, you know impact,” Watt stated in a recent interview. “I bring it every snap. I make plays that swing momentum and decide outcomes. That’s not hype—it’s fact.”

Watt’s remarks come as part of a broader push to re-establish the Steelers as legitimate contenders. After a frustrating playoff loss last season, Pittsburgh is regrouping with renewed fire. Watt, the emotional and statistical cornerstone of the defense, is leading the charge.

The competition among top-tier defenders is stiff, with players like Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, and Nick Bosa all making their case for supremacy. But Watt isn’t backing down.

Trends come and go. But consistency—that’s rare,” he said. “I’ve been delivering year after year. You don’t just measure a great defender in highlights. You measure them in moments, in pressure, in how they elevate those around them.”

Watt’s impact is indisputable. He holds the franchise record for sacks, has five Pro Bowl selections under his belt, and was the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Yet, he often feels overlooked in national conversations.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin backed his defensive anchor wholeheartedly. “T.J. sets the tone for this team,” Tomlin remarked. “His preparation, his tenacity—it’s contagious. He’s everything you want in a leader.”

As the Steelers prepare for training camp, Watt is already in top form. He’s focused on sharpening his explosiveness and conditioning—determined to stay a step ahead of opponents.

The defensive core around him remains solid. Veteran Cameron Heyward, dynamic safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and rising stars round out a defense capable of smothering the league’s top offenses.