T.J. Watt earns record-tying ninth AFC defensive player of the week award

T.J. Watt’s big game helped power the Steelers to victory on Sunday.

Now he has been named AFC defensive player of the week.

Watt recorded a 35-yard pick-six, three tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks in Pittsburgh’s 20-13 victory over Atlanta in Week 1.

It was Watt’s 10th career interception. He now joins Hall of Famer Julius Peppers as the only two players to record at least 100 sacks and 10 interceptions since 1982.

Watt now has nine career defensive player of the week awards, which ties Hall of Famers Chris Doleman, Bruce Smith, and Lawrence Taylor for the most ever.

This is his first DPOW award since 2024.