TJ Watt bothered by lack of Steelers playoff success: 'Completely unacceptable'

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt has had the kind of career that will one day earn him a Gold Jacket and a plaque at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But for all of his individual accolades, Watt has nothing to show for it when it comes to team accomplishments.

It certainly isn’t his fault, as the 30-year-old has been one of the best pass rushers in football since entering the NFL. The Steelers drafted Watt in April 2017 — just a few months after their last playoff win that January. Yes, it’s been that long since Pittsburgh has tasted postseason triumph. That means Watt has never won a playoff game.

Pittsburgh’s lack of playoff success over the last eight years is a motivator for Watt. In an upcoming interview on “In Depth with Graham Bensinger“, Watt called it “absolutely unacceptable.”

“Trying to be the best,” Watt said. “Trying to be the best that I can be. . . And winning a Super Bowl is no doubt motivating me and winning a playoff game is absolutely motivating me. It’s something that we haven’t been able to do since I’ve been there.

“I think that’s absolutely unacceptable and that is what’s attached to my name right now, and I have to answer for that. As much as it sucks, when you say, ‘TJ Watt: X, Y, Z,’ you also say, ‘TJ Watt: Not won a playoff game.’”

TJ Watt led Steelers go all-in on 2025 season

The Steelers, like Watt, are motivated to advance further into the postseason in 2025. This offseason, Pittsburgh has signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers and cornerback Darius Slay, and acquired receiver DK Metcalf, tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Watt is one of 48 players, yes, but he feels a responsibility to do his part. Watt has just one sack and eight tackles in four career playoff games.

“Oh, it genuinely bothers me, because I’m a part of those teams,” Watt said. “As much as I’m only one player as much as whoever’s one player, like you are putting your hand in the pile too. I feel like I can make a difference enough to help win a playoff game and to have that to your legacy, especially when you play for an organization that has six Super Bowls. … It’s like, ‘TJ Watt: Yeah, great individual player. But what’s the team success? And that’s what really bothers me.’”