Steelers’ T.J. Watt eager to be on hand for brother J.J.’s induction into Texans’ Ring of Honor

Chris Adamski
Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 5:38 p.m. | Friday, Sept. 29, 2023 5:38 p.m.

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AP

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt hugs his brother Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt as they participate in the coin toss prior to a 2020 game in Pittsburgh. The since-retired J.J. will be inducted into the Texans’ Ring of Honor during halftime of Sunday’s game against T.J.’s Steelers.

T.J. Watt isn’t necessarily the most open and gregarious Pittsburgh Steelers player in regards to speaking with media.

While he will dutifully and politely fulfill his media obligations, Watt clearly is less than comfortable answering most questions and typically tends to leave his answers on the shorter side.

That is, however, unless he’s compelled to speak about big bros J.J. and Derek.

“You ask anybody — I don’t shy away from talking about my brothers,” Watt said after Steelers practice Friday, referencing J.J. and Derek. “Both of them have had such an impact of my life, just showing me how to be a good person, a good player and how to handle myself in the community, just really giving me the blueprint of how to be a man. I appreciate both of them for that.”

It is in part for his efforts in the Houston community — not to mention, a Hall of Fame-caliber playing career — that J.J. Watt has earned induction as the third member of the Houston Texans’ Ring of Honor. And it surely is not a coincidence the organization chose Sunday as the date for the ceremony. The Texans host T.J. and the Steelers.

“The ceremony, the event is, to me, special just to see my brother get rewarded the way that he deserves,” T.J. said. “It’s special just because I know all the hard work and dedication, the blood, sweat and tears, the hard times, great times, behind-the-scenes things that sometimes people knew about it and sometimes they didn’t.

“I’m just very proud to call him my older brother.”

Watt plans to dine with J.J. and other family members Saturday after the Steelers arrive in Texas.

J.J. Watt was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and five times was named first-team AP All-Pro. For his efforts in raising more than $41 million for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey’s devastation of the Houston area, Watt was given the 2017 Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

The ceremony is scheduled to take place at halftime of Sunday’s game.

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