T.J. Watt’s Record-Breaking Extension With the Pittsburgh Steelers Earns a Hilarious Reaction From His Older Brother

Fresh off navigating the ‘Aaron Rodgers’ contract drama, the Pittsburgh Steelers are back in the spotlight. This time for locking down their defensive cornerstone, T.J. Watt, with a massive new deal.

The Steelers have signed Watt to a three-year, $123 million extension, with a staggering $108 million guaranteed at signing. That breaks new ground, making his $41 million per year the highest average annual salary for any non-quarterback in NFL history. The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year was heading into the final year of his previous four-year, $112 million extension. Now, the 30th overall pick from the 2017 NFL Draft has secured another major payday, which was certainly big enough to spark a playful reaction from his older brother, J.J.

Watt.

T.J. Watt is now the highest-paid non-quarterback player in NFL history

As mentioned earlier, T.J. Watt has officially become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, surpassing stars like Myles Garrett ($40 million per year) and Ja’Marr Chase ($40.25 million). When one combines his new $123 million extension with his previous earnings, Watt’s total career earnings are expected to hit around $255 million.The historic payday drew a proud reaction from his older brother, J.J. Watt. Taking to X, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year posted:“Earned. Deserved. Incredible. @_TJWatt @steelers”

But in true brotherly fashion, he didn’t stop there. J.J. followed up with a hilarious tweet featuring an NFL on CBS graphic comparing their career earnings:“I swear, if this guy even lets me begin to reach for my wallet at dinner…”

For context, J.J.

earned approximately $129.7 million over his 12-year career. T.J., on the other hand, will pull in nearly that same amount, just $6.7 million less, in only three years. It’s a milestone moment for both the Steelers and the Watt family, filled with pride, success, and some classic sibling humor.

T.J. Watt Has Been the Cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Defense

Watt’s impressive resume and the NFL’s rising salary cap have combined to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history, and rightfully so.

The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, seven-time Pro Bowler, and four-time All-Pro has already earned $110.9 million over eight seasons. As already mentioned, his total career earnings are projected to surpass $255 million, nearly double what his brother J.J.

made during his legendary career. Watt’s on-field dominance speaks for itself. In eight seasons with the Steelers, he’s racked up 108 sacks, 33 forced fumbles, 462 tackles, and seven interceptions.

In 2021, he tied Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks, despite missing two games, and became the second-fastest player in NFL history to reach 100 career sacks.

Moreover, Pittsburgh is aiming for a major resurgence in 2025, fueled by one of the offseason’s biggest splash moves, signing future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Locking in T.J. Watt with a record-breaking extension is just as crucial as the Steelers look to finally snap their playoff drought and secure their first postseason win since 2016.Also read: Shemar Stewart’s NFL future in turmoil as Cincinnati Bengals contract dispute fuels Texas A&M comeback rumors