Legal Expert Sends Warning As Steelers Could Be At Risk After TJ Watt Health Mistake

The Pittsburgh Steelers got quite the scare when it was revealed that an accident during dry needling sent superstar pass rusher TJ Watt to the hospital. On Wednesday, it was reported that Watt had suffered a partially collapsed lung as a result of the treatment at the team facility. According to his brother, JJ Watt, TJ underwent surgery to repair and stabilize the lung. Watt was released from the hospital on Friday and is expected to return for the 2025 season, though the timeline remains uncertain. Obviously, Watt’s health is the top priority, but as Aaron Rodgers noted, Watt himself is eager to get back on the field.

While Steeler Nation waits to learn when TJ Watt can make his return, the legal implications for the Steelers are already drawing attention. Accidents like this raise questions about team liability, player safety protocols, and the responsibilities of medical staff during treatment. Any misstep could expose the organization to legal scrutiny, making Watt’s recovery a story that goes beyond the field.

Andrew Brandt, a nationally recognized sports executive and now professor of practice and executive director of the Moorad Center for the Study of Sports Law at Villanova Law, weighed in on the situation. It’s safe to say he knows his way around the legal complexities of cases like this, and he took to social media to outline the potential responsibility the Steelers could face. 

"Regarding questions on TJ Watt’s injury from dry needling," Brandt wrote. "Dry needling is a form of PT with needles (much larger than acupuncture needles) used to stimulate blood flow around muscular and soft tissue injuries. Many players use it, and some teams offer the treatment option at their facility. For insertion around the chest, there is some risk of pneumothorax that needs to be fully explained before treatment. It’s not clear with the Steelers whether it was performed by a trainer or employee, or by an outside contractor. Potential team and practitioner liability would be different depending on which."

Brandt's insights underscore the seriousness of the incident and the importance of handling player care with the utmost diligence.

Basically, what Brandt is saying is that players generally know the risks associated with dry needling. In fact, TJ Watt’s teammate Patrick Queen even spoke out about why he avoids the treatment, showing he’s aware of the potential dangers. Like any medical procedure, there’s always a small chance of complications.

Steelers Risk Questioned As Details Of TJ Watt Injury Emerge

The big question now is who exactly performed the treatment on TJ Watt. That’s where the legal trouble could come in for the Steelers. Depending on who administered it, the team could be held responsible for what happened.

If it was an outside contractor hired directly by TJ Watt, the Steelers would likely not assume responsibility. However, if it was a team employee or trainer and the risks were not properly explained to TJ Watt, the team could potentially be legally liable for the injury. 

One thing is clear: the Steelers will be without TJ Watt for several weeks. In Week 15, they face one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks at Acrisure Stadium and will have to stop it without their star pass rusher.

How much faith do you have in this Steelers team, without TJ Watt, walking away on Monday night with a win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 15? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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