Steelers' TJ Watt Praises Jalen Ramsey’s Relentless Drive In 2025: “He’s Still So Hungry”

Part of the reason why the Pittsburgh Steelers are currently sitting in first place in the AFC North is because of the veteran leadership and experience that is on the roster, especially on the defensive side of the football. One of the most experienced and star-studded players on the roster, edge-rusher TJ Watt, knows greatness when he sees it. At least, that is the case when you have 113 career sacks and are a former Defensive Player of the Year. So when he sends praise to another great player, you know it has a fairly strong basis. 

In this particular instance, Watt sent praise to teammate Jalen Ramsey, who has accomplished a lot during his decade-long career. Watt was recently asked by the Pittsburgh media about Ramsey after practice on Friday and had a lot of positive things to say about the former Super Bowl champion.

"He's hungry, man. A guy that's done everything in the National Football League you possibly can do and he's still so hungry," Watt said of Ramsey. "A guy that's playing phenomenal football. He brings just a tenacious outlook on football and how he plays the game. That speaks to the culture, getting hats on the ball, playing with swag, all of the stuff that Jalen does." 

Even at 31 years of age, Ramsey is still flying around on defense. The seven-time Pro Bowl selection has started all eight games for Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin in 2025. The former Florida State star has recorded 35 total tackles, five pass deflections, three quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, and an interception. 

While there have been times where he has looked sluggish, he has proven that greatness can continue to stay with great players. On a veteran-heavy defense, along with Watt, seven-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Cam Heyward, and six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay, Ramsey has done his best to make sure he is playing at a high level.

Steelers' Defense Continues To Be On The Come-Up

While Pittsburgh's defense has not played like its usual self for much of this season, it might be starting to turn a corner. Thanks to a simplified approach last Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers were able to come out with a victory over what was the top-ranked offense in the league at the time. The Colts were forced into six turnovers, including three interceptions. Furthermore, All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor was held to just 45 rushing yards on the day. That is the type of defense that Steelers fans have become accustomed to seeing over the years from Tomlin's teams. Ramsey added in five tackles, and Watt added in a sack, forced fumble and fumble recovery. After back-to-back weeks of allowing over 450 total yards and 30+ points, this performance was needed in a big way.

Now, the Steelers are getting ready to go out West to face the 6-3 Los Angeles Chargers in a key AFC showdown on Sunday night. This will be the third primetime game for the Steelers in the last four weeks. In this upcoming game, the Chargers are coming in hurt, both along the offensive line and in the backfield. While the Bolts have a talented quarterback in Justin Herbert leading the way for top-five offensive unit, this is still a gettable game for Pittsburgh. If Austin's defense can find a way to play like it did against the Colts, especially with a potential assist from the Steelers fans that will be in attendance for the game at SoFi Stadium, a victory should not at all be out of the question. 

Look for the future Hall of Fame defenders in Ramsey, Watt, and Heyward to be at their absolute best. Remember, a win here and the team could potentially open up a wider lead over the arch-rival Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North.

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