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JJ Watt congratulates TJ Watt live after Steelers LB breaks brother's sack record with strip sack TD on Caleb Williams

Barkley-Truaxby: Barkley Truax4 hours agoBarkleyTruax
tj watt jj watt steelers
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

TJ Watt surpassed his older brother, JJ, in career sacks on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. Watt was credited with sacking QB Caleb Williams, forcing a fumble in the end zone — while his older brother was on the call for CBS.

The Steelers star defender recorded his 115th career sack on the play. JJ Watt, who finished his career with 114.5 total sacks, reacted to his brother’s massive career milestone in real time live on air.

“If he’s going to pass my record, that’s one hell of a way to do it,” Watt said. “With a strip-sack causing a touchdown. Good for you TJ.”

Nick Herbig would recover the fumble and score a touchdown on the play. It helped give Pittsburgh a 14-7 lead at the time.

The play was good for Watt’s seventh sack of the season and third forced fumble. He’s now 26th all-time on the NFL sack leaderboard. He’s behind two active players — Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns) and Calais Campbell (Arizona Cardinals). Garrett entered this week with 117.5 career sacks, while Campbell has 115.5.

Watt has been with the Steelers his entire career, which spans nine seasons including 2025. He recently signed a massive three-year, $123 million contract that included $108 million fully guaranteed upon signing.

His contract was a major topic of debate in Pittsburgh this offseason. He was set to enter the final year of his previous contract signed in 2021. Watt had his best season ever after signing the contract, as Watt went on to tie the NFL record for sacks in a season with 22.5. His production in 2021 led to him being named Defensive Player of the Year.

Last year, Watt recorded 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss in 17 regular-season games. He was named to a seventh consecutive Pro Bowl and the All-Pro Second Team for the second time in his career.

Watt has had similar success so far in 2025. He entered Week 12 with 38 total tackles (16 solo) with six sacks, two forced fumbles and recoveries and one interception on the year.

He’s helped lead the Steelers to a 6-4 record ahead of their matchup vs. the Bears. Pittsburgh is playing without QB Aaron Rodgers, so they needed a strong defensive effort to help boost their offense. Watt has provided that spark, and will hope to help lead the Steelers over the Bears. Catch the game live on CBS.