In a moment that blended history, emotion, and family legacy, Pittsburgh Steelers superstar linebacker TJ Watt recorded the 115th sack of his career on Sunday, officially surpassing the total of his older brother, Hall of Famer–to–be JJ Watt. The milestone would have been remarkable under any circumstance, but what made it truly unforgettable was that JJ happened to be on the broadcast call for the game — giving him a front-row seat to watch his younger brother pass him in the record books.
The sack came in the second half of a tight, physical matchup, with TJ exploding off the edge in classic fashion. He bent the corner, closed on the quarterback with trademark speed, and finished with the ferocity that has defined his career. The stadium erupted, the Steelers sideline went wild, and immediately, cameras cut to JJ in the broadcast booth reacting with pride, surprise, and a smile that spread quickly across social media.
For TJ, the moment was the product of years of dominance. Since entering the league in 2017, he has been one of the NFL’s most unstoppable defensive forces — a former Defensive Player of the Year, a perennial All-Pro, and the engine behind Pittsburgh’s defense. Passing JJ, who finished his career with 114.5 sacks and three Defensive Player of the Year awards, is not simply a statistical accomplishment. It is a symbolic one. For years, JJ was considered the standard; now, TJ stands beside — and statistically ahead of — the brother he once watched from the stands.
Steelers fans felt the weight of the moment, too. Many have long believed TJ is carving out a Hall of Fame path of his own, and this milestone adds fuel to that conversation. His explosiveness, versatility, and unmatched motor continue to cement him as one of the most feared defenders in the game.
JJ, known for his humility and humor, handled the moment perfectly on the call. He praised TJ’s consistency, work ethic, and relentless commitment to improving each season. Later, JJ admitted that seeing his brother pass him live was “pretty special” and something he’d remember for the rest of his life.
For the Watt family, it was another extraordinary chapter. For the Steelers, it was a historic moment. And for TJ Watt, it was confirmation that he’s not just following a legendary path — he’s creating one of his own.
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