**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.