The Pro Football Writers of America announced its annual end-of-season NFL awards on Wednesday. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt was named Defensive Player of the Year.
Watt tied the single-season sack record in 2021 when he notched 22.5 sacks in 15 games. Watt also led the league with 39 quarterback hits, 21 tackles for loss and 3 fumble recoveries.
The Steelers and Watt agreed on a four-year, $112 million contract extension just before the start of the season. Despite the struggles of the team, Watt earned every penny.
Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is the PFWA's 2021 NFL Most Valuable Player. L.A. Rams WR Cooper Kupp is the Offensive Player of the Year, and Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt is the Defensive Player of the Year.
— Pro Football Writers (@PFWAwriters) January 26, 2022