J.J. Watt Defends Brother T.J. Watt After Steelers Star Finished Runner-Up for DPOY

Myles Garrett won the award in a tight race.

For years now, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt have been circling the AP Defensive Player of the Year award.

A one-two finish between the two rivals has long seemed a possibility—and on Thursday evening, it became a reality.

Garrett edged out Watt by 25 points to take the crown, becoming the first Browns player to win it. Watt, who won the award in 2021, finished second despite registering 19 sacks in 2023 to lead the league for the third time.

On Friday afternoon, Watt's brother—former defensive end and three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt—took to social media to defend his brother's honor.

Everybody is asking for my opinion on DPOY. I get it.

The problem is I have no interest in tearing down MG.

Myles is a phenomenal player, I’m a big fan and he’s had an incredible career so far.

I can acknowledge that while also wondering what more TJ could have possibly done. pic.twitter.com/wSWpKVBntl

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 9, 2024

While stressing his respect for Garrett, J.J. posted a graphic demonstrating how T.J. bested the Cleveland superstar in 11 major notable categories.

"Myles is a phenomenal player, I’m a big fan and he’s had an incredible career so far," J.J. wrote. "I can acknowledge that while also wondering what more T.J. could have possibly done."