T.J. Watt Named Finalist for 2024 AP Defensive Player of the Year Despite Mixed Season
Pittsburgh Steelers’ superstar edge rusher T.J. Watt has earned another shot at one of the NFL’s most prestigious accolades. On Thursday, Watt was officially named a finalist for the 2024 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award. This marks the fourth time in the last five seasons that Watt has been shortlisted for the honor, a testament to his consistent impact on the field. However, his lone victory came during his dominant 2021 campaign when he tied the NFL single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks.
This year, Watt faces stiff competition from a talented pool of finalists, including Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, and Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II. Among this group, Garrett and Watt are seeking their second DPOY honors, while Baun, Hendrickson, and Surtain are vying for their first win.
Watt’s inclusion as a finalist may come as a surprise to some, given his relatively uneven performance during the 2024 season. He started the year in explosive fashion, racking up 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and six tackles for loss (TFL) in just the first five weeks. However, his production significantly tapered off toward the end of the season. In his final two games, Watt failed to record a single stat—no sacks, tackles, or quarterback hits—leaving some fans and analysts questioning whether his overall impact warranted a nomination.
Statistically, Watt’s 2024 numbers were a step back compared to his usual elite standards. His 11.5 sacks were his lowest in a season where he played 15 or more games since his rookie year in 2017. Despite this, Watt remained a disruptive force in other areas. He led the league in forced fumbles with six, while also compiling 19 tackles for loss, 27 quarterback hits, and 61 total tackles. These contributions highlight his ability to affect games beyond simply getting to the quarterback.
The winner of the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year award will be revealed during the NFL Honors ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, February 6, at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event, which celebrates the league’s best players and moments of the season, will be broadcast live at 9 p.m. ET on Fox and NFL Network. Fans can also stream the ceremony live via NFL+.
For Watt, this nomination serves as a reminder of his ability to remain among the NFL’s elite defenders despite a challenging season. As he competes for his second DPOY title, Steelers fans will undoubtedly hope that this recognition serves as motivation for the star edge rusher to return to his dominant form in 2025.
BREAKING: Steelers OLB T.J. Watt named for 2024 AP Defensive Player of the Year
