Pittsburgh Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt has seven sacks, three forced fumbles, and one interception in the 2025 season. However, the Steelers are 6-6, and Watt hasn’t been the dominant force he has been in the past. He’s not even in the running for Defensive Player of the Year, a strange feeling for a player who just signed a three-year, $123 million contract extension. Many assumed a healthy Watt would put together a season for the ages, but that hasn’t been the case so far. While it hasn’t been a bad season for him, Steelers fans have grown accustomed to more splash plays and game-changing moments from their star linebacker.
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Steelers' Cam Heyward stands beside TJ Watt while watching a training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
Watt has every right to be frustrated, as he’s been grinding alongside the team and has largely been responsible for the success Pittsburgh has seen this season. His leadership and consistent effort on the field have kept the Steelers competitive in a tough AFC, even when the team has struggled. Yet, despite his contributions, the lack of eye-popping stats and game-defining plays has left some fans and analysts questioning whether Watt is living up to the expectations tied to his massive contract and past dominance.
Former NFL GM Doug Whaley tells TJ Watt to stop complaining after losses and do something about it on the field. pic.twitter.com/aIsVVTl4MH
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) December 4, 2025
Criticism has even started coming from former NFL voices, including ex-GM Doug Whaley. Whaley appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday, where he called out Watt for what he sees as a poor attitude following losses. The remarks have sparked debate among Steeler Nation, with some agreeing that Watt should channel his frustration into elevating his performance on the field, while others insist that he’s earned the right to be upset given his relentless effort and commitment to the team.
"TJ, do not sit there and act defeated in the press conference," Whaley said while speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday. "Get in someone's face and tell them to step up. I don't care what the defensive play is. We know what they are going to do. Beat your man and be a football player. See ball, get ball. Then you can apologize to the coach later because you didn't do your responsibility."
After every disappointing loss, to Watt’s credit, he steps up to the podium fully aware that nothing he says is going to satisfy a frustrated fanbase after another awful showing. Watt has not been the problem in the 2025 season. In fact, he has played well for the most part.
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Steelers' TJ Watt chats with Browns' Myles Garrett after game.
But he set such a ridiculously high standard for himself that anything short of Defensive Player of the Year level dominance feels underwhelming. And with Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett putting together another career year, it has been tough to see Watt fall out of those elite conversations.
"Guess what? We stopped that play they just shoved down our throat," Whaley said. "You just need that."
Steelers' TJ Watt Should Copy Troy Polamalu
Whaley encouraged Watt to take a page out of Troy Polamalu’s book and take over the defense schematically.
Douglas DeFelice / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers' star edge rusher TJ Watt and Head Coach Mike Tomlin communicate with one another on the sideline during a professional football game on the road.
That means trusting his instincts, freelancing when necessary, and doing whatever it takes to change games, even if it occasionally goes against what the coaches are asking him to do.
Do you believe the former NFL GM was justified in calling out TJ Watt for what he sees as a poor attitude after losses, or is this criticism completely out of line for a player of Watt’s caliber? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
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