Leave it to the front office of the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers to make what has seemed like more offseason moves than the franchise has ever in years past. The icing on the cake would have been star edge rusher, TJ Watt's brother, JJ, coming out of a short retirement to play in Pittsburgh. While some still believe that could happen, the reality is that JJ is almost certainly done with football. That doesn't mean the future Hall of Famer hasn't already become relevant in the Steelers' locker room in 2023. One of the newer signees brought him up upon arrival.
Former Arizona Cardinals defensive end, JJ Watt runs out of the tunnel in what would be his *expected* last season in the NFL. | Photo Credit: Cooper Neill / Getty Images
Markus Golden, who has played 111 career games, signed with the Steelers in late May. The veteran has 47 career sacks and 33.5 of them came in three separate seasons. He is a great depth piece for Pittsburgh and is expected to be recognized as a great free agent signing by General Manager Omar Khan by December.
Golden recently spoke with the media at Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and talked a little bit about his time playing with JJ. While Golden spent most of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, he only had the opportunity to play with JJ in 2021 and 2022. Those two years allowed him to understand what kind of guy JJ is and relate his brother, TJ, to him in Pittsburgh.
"I know JJ, he works hard and [he's a] funny guy. Everybody thinks he’s serious all the time,” Golden said. “TJ is a great dude. I got to talk to him right when I walked in and he didn’t do anything but show me love and tell me stories that JJ told him. So, it feels good to be here with him, I know he’s a great player just like his brother."
Former Arizona Cardinals and new Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Markus Golden points in the distance during a 2022 regular season matchup. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
Golden didn't stop there. He put the Watt brothers on somewhat of a pedestal and made it known that it is extremely special that he will get to say he played with one of the best brother duos in NFL history.
"I'm excited to be able to come in and ball with [TJ] and to be able to say I played with both Watt brothers, man."
JJ became aware of Golden's comments on Twitter and couldn't help but comment on how great of a guy and teammate Golden was. His response implies that the two are extremely close.
Junk is one of the best teammates I’ve ever been around. Love that guy. Gonna give you everything he has every single time he steps on the field. Passion, energy, positive vibes, just loves the game & loves life.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 31, 2023
Brother for life @markusgolden
Steelers fans can take JJ's word that Golden is a great guy to be around. TJ went as far as to back his brother up during a recent interview at OTAs as well. He trusts his brother's opinion on his backup.
"He played with JJ for two years. Had nothing but good things to say about him. So, I'm excited to get to work with him."
Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt stretches prior to practice during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Signed A Perfect Depth Piece In Golden
TJ and his partner in crime, Alex Highsmith are going to dominate defenses again in 2023. The duo needed someone behind them who was not only a team player, but a guy who has the ability to fill in if an injury were to occur. Golden's experience, along with his approval from a former teammate in JJ, should be music to Steelers fans' ears. The incredible offseason of Khan is unmatched throughout the league.
What are your thoughts on Goldens' comments about the Watts and the brothers' positive thoughts directed towards the newest Steelers' linebacker? Let us know in the comments below!
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