Steelers' T.J. Watt Named AFC Defensive Player of the Year

The Pittsburgh Steelers star earns his third Defensive Player of the Year Award.

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt put himself in historic company, winning his third AFC Defensive Player of the Year Award from the 'Committee of 101.' For the third time in the last four years, Watt has been honored as part of the NFL 101 Awards. 

Watt led the league in sacks with 19 - the second highest of his career - while also recording 68 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 36 QB hits, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, eight passes defended, an interception and a touchdown. 

With this being the third time Watt has won the award, he joins Alan Paige (three), Reggie White (three), Ray Lewis (three), Bruce Smith (three), Aaron Donald (four) and J.J. Watt (four) as the only players to earn AFC DPOY three times in their career. He also won in 2020 and 2021. 

He's the ninth member of the Steelers to win the award, joining Joe Greene, Mel Blount, Jack Lambert, Rod Woodson, Greg Lloyd, Carnell Lake, James Harrison and Troy Polamalu.

The award is chosen by a national selection committee that includes 101 national media members that cover the NFL. 

Watt's DPOY honor joins his First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. He was also voted by his teammates as the Steelers' MVP this season. 

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