Former Wisconsin linebacker legend J.J. Watt visited his younger brother and Badger great T.J. Watt at a Pittsburgh Steelers practice this week.
J.J., who retired at the conclusion of the 2022 NFL season, took some time out of an offseason as a minority investor in England’s Burnley Football Club to visit another dominant NFL force ahead of his 2024 slate.
T.J.’s Steelers continue to prepare for their final preseason contest against the Detroit Lions, scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 24.
During J.J.’s NFL tenure with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals, the Pewaukee, Wisconsin native earned Pro Bowl appearances, five first-team All-Pro honors and three Defensive Player of the Year awards.
From 2008-10 at Wisconsin, Watt pocketed a Lott IMPACT Trophy, was named team MVP and reeled in consensus first-team All-Big Ten team member at defensive end. As a senior, Watt also captained the Badgers in TFLs, sacks, quarterback hurries, forced fumbles and blocked kicks.
Glorious day for some football in Pittsburgh.
Slight chill in the air, pads poppin, season just around the corner.
So much pride watching @_TJWatt work, talking ball with the boys, being on the grass again.
Thanks for letting me hang out for a few days @steelers pic.twitter.com/Mz5DuzTDwp
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 20, 2024
T.J., who enters the 2024 season ranked No. 8 on the NFL 100 list, boasts quite the professional resume as well. He owns six Pro Bowl appearances, four First-Team All-Pro nods, 96.5 total sacks and 107 tackles for loss in his first seven campaigns with Pittsburgh.
Like his brother, he also holds a Defensive Player of the Year (2021). He finished as runner-up in 2020 and 2023 as well.
Outside of their talent on the gridiron, the Watt brothers’ relationship appears to be complete with respect, love and admiration. Coincidentally, they are, unquestionably, the greatest brother duo to step foot on Camp Randall’s hallowed turf.