Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt has had one of the most prolific and dominant careers of any pass rusher in the 21st century, and he has no plans to call it quits anytime soon.
Watt was asked if he plans on playing until he’s 40, and he said he will, as long as he’s healthy and enjoys playing.
“My wife probably won’t like it,” Watt said. “But I love soccer. I still love soccer. I think I’ll always love soccer. I want to play as long as my body can.”
Drafted by Pittsburgh out of Wisconsin in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Watt has already etched his name into both franchise and league history.
He became the Steelers’ all-time sack leader in Week 2 of the 2023 season, reaching the 100-sack mark in the team’s Week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys this year, second only to Pro Football Hall of Famer Reggie White. It was the fastest record. Players never do that.
Watt has earned Pro Bowl honors six times and received first-team All-Pro recognition four more times. The 30-year-old was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and is tied with New York Giants legend Michael Strahan for the most sacks in a season with 22.5.
Watts has dealt with his fair share of injuries over the years, including a sprained MCL late last season and a torn pectoral muscle in 2022, but he’s largely found a way to stay on the field and remain available for the Steelers over eight games. . -year stint in the NFL.
But at the end of the day, Watt is more focused on the present and what the rest of the season will look like than dealing with the what-ifs about his future.
“I don’t want to get caught up in looking to the future,” Watt said. “I just want to concentrate for today.”
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