"Don’t know if I want to play forever": TJ Watt contemplating retirement as Steelers LB eyes first-ever playoff win
TJ Watt has cemented his name in the history books of the NFL as one of the most respected defensive-minded players. However, as the linebacker looks ahead to another season of football, there are two things on his mind, retirement and a playoff win.
The youngest sibling of the Watt clan, TJ was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Since then, the Wisconsin native has been with the team through thick and thin. With both siblings, JJ Watt and Derek Watt, now retired, TJ has the same thoughts.
In a recent interview with Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, the 29-year-old opened up about his future on the gridiron. The six-time Pro Bowler said:
“I don’t know if I want to play forever, but who knows? It is too hard to say.”
“I won’t know until that moment comes. I feel great right now, so I am kind of just living in the moment.”
However, the record holder for most sacks in a single season clarified that his retirement thoughts will not impede his performances on the field.
“I don’t have forever to play. I have always approached the game as right now, and I have never taken it for granted, and that hasn’t changed at all.”
TJ Watt signed a massive four-year deal worth $112 million in 2021 with the Steelers. Hence, the LB is bound to stay around till the end of the 2025 season.
TJ Watt has playoff win dreams
In his seven seasons with the Steelers, TJ Watt has taken the team to playoffs on four occasions. However, the Steelers lost their respective first games on all of those occasions and crashed out of the postseason. Watt highlighted this aspect to Kaboly and said:
“For me, it is all about no playoff wins. I am trying to do anything I can do. I am going to do whatever is possible to win.”
TJ Watt will have the opportunity to do just that as the Steelers take on the Atlanta Falcons in a road game on September 8 as they begin their 2024 season.