The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off the 2026 season with a win, and did so thanks in large part due to T.J. Watt having an historic day. Watt recorded four tackles, two sacks and a game-sealing pick-6 in the Steelers’ 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. He even made NFL history as well.
T.J. Watt Made NFL History While Making a Big Play in the Steelers’ Win
Pittsburgh’s 31-year-old linebacker further etched his name as one of the league’s all-time greats by joining Julius Peppers as the only two players to ever reach 100 career sacks and 10 interceptions. Watt now has 358 tackles, 139 tackles for a loss, 117 sacks and 10 interceptions as he’s one game into his 10th NFL season.
Watt’s latest interception came at the start of the fourth quarter with his team only clinging to a 13-10 lead. He read Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush’s eyes perfectly and jumped in front of the route. And after grabbing the football, Watt was able to stay upright and keep return the play all the way to the house for a defensive touchdown.
Watt Just Needs Playoff Success to Complete His Resume
An eight-time Pro Bowler, four-time first-team All-Pro, Watt’s most recent accomplishment further solidify his eventual place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He even has a Defensive Player of the Year Award to his name, registering 22.5 sacks in 2021, which set the NFL’s single-season record at the time – Myles Garrett surpassed the mark with 23 last season in his final year with the Browns.
But despite his individual success and accolades, Watt is still in search of the first playoff victory of his career. At least, the Steelers 1-0 start to the 2026 season is the best way to begin another campaign to pursue that goal.
Watt and the Steelers will now turn their focus to Week 2 in New England. Kickoff between Pittsburgh and the Patriots is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 20.
T.J. Watt Makes NFL History While Leading Steelers to Week 1 Win