T.J. Watt Signs Contract Extension with Pittsburgh Steelers

**T.J. Watt: NFL Defensive Star** T.J. Watt is a **linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers** and one of the National Football League's most accomplished defensive players.[1][3] Born on October 11, 1994, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Watt grew up in a sports-oriented family; his father played in the NFL, and his brothers are also professional athletes.[4] Watt played college football at the University of Wisconsin from 2013 to 2016, where he transitioned from tight end to outside linebacker.[1] After redshirting his freshman year due to injury, he became a standout defensive contributor, recording 63 tackles and seven sacks during his junior season.[4] The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him as the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.[1] Since entering the NFL, Watt has established himself as an elite pass rusher and defensive force. In his rookie season, he recorded 54 tackles and 7 sacks.[1] His breakout 2018 campaign featured 68 tackles and 13 sacks, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection.[1] The following year, he led the NFL with 15 sacks and received First-Team All-Pro honors.[1] In 2020, Watt was named **NFL Defensive Player of the Year**, an achievement he repeated in 2021.[1][5] Throughout his career, Watt has amassed impressive statistics: 362 total tackles, 96.5 sacks, 27 forced fumbles, and 10 fumble recoveries across 104 games.[2] In the 2023 season, he played all 17 games, recording 59 tackles and 19 sacks.[2] His ability to disrupt plays, pressure quarterbacks, and create turnovers has been instrumental to the Steelers' defensive success. Recently, Watt underwent surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung suffered after treatment at the Steelers' facility.[6] Despite this setback, he remains an active roster member and continues to be a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's defense.

Khalil Mack is a professional American football linebacker currently playing for the Los Angeles Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). Born on February 22, 1991, in Florida, Mack played college football at the University at Buffalo, where he established himself as one of the top defensive players in NCAA history. He entered the NFL when drafted fifth overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2014 NFL Draft. Mack quickly emerged as a dominant defensive force, known for his ability to rush the passer and make impactful tackles. In his second NFL season (2015), he recorded 15 sacks and made history by becoming the first player named to the Associated Press All-Pro First Team at two positions—right defensive end and outside linebacker—in the same year. He has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls and has earned recognition as one of the league’s premier defenders. In 2018, Mack was traded to the Chicago Bears, where he continued to excel, contributing significantly to the team’s defense. After several seasons in Chicago, he signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he remains an influential defensive player. His career statistics include over 100 sacks and numerous forced turnovers, demonstrating his consistent impact on the field. As of 2025, Mack is active with the Chargers, having recently signed an $18 million extension. Despite some injury concerns, he remains a key player known for his versatility and leadership on defense. Mack’s career is marked by his explosive playmaking ability, earning him a respected place among the NFL’s elite defenders.