T.J. Watt has constructed the prolific career of a superstar on the strength of his sheer tenacity. While, yes, the Pittsburgh Steeler is a five-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year because he’s so talented, it’s also due to his uncommon relentless chasing quarterbacks. (Which, yes, that sometimes can get him into trouble.)
Tennessee Titans starting quarterback Will Levis and everyone watching re-learned this absolute fact during Thursday Night Football.
With Tennessee driving and facing a key third down in the red zone late in the first quarter, Watt lost his helmet while trying to get around the right side of the Titans’ offensive line. Rather than turtle and let Levis extend the play, Watt still furiously pursued the quarterback and got a well-earned sack anyway.
Because of course he did:
NO HELMET NO PROBLEM FOR TJ WATT!!! pic.twitter.com/MSOhFHPC4Q
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) November 3, 2023
If there’s another play that better describes what Watt brings to the table, I haven’t seen it. He’s special because his motor never stops — even when he doesn’t have a helmet.
This was how Twitter reacted
T.J. Watt gets his helmet ripped off and still gets the sack.
He is unblockable.
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) November 3, 2023
T.J. Watt doesn't need a helmet to destroy a quarterback
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 3, 2023
also T.J. Watt getting a sack on 3rd down while having his helmet ripped off is so perfectly T.J. Watt
— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) November 3, 2023
T.J. Watt to Will Levis without his helmet on pic.twitter.com/zMPVk38Dqa
— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) November 3, 2023
T.J. Watt doesn’t need a stinking helmet. Dude just keeps playing. Throwback player.
— Tom Krasniqi (@TKras) November 3, 2023
T.J. Watt “no helmet no problem” sheesh!
— NYGcrush🍎 (@NYGcrush) November 3, 2023
TJ Watt is a menace. No helmet, who cares. pic.twitter.com/OnRBWxhtNv
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 3, 2023
TJ Watt w/ the helmet-less sack. Can’t say I’ve seen that before.
— Adam Crowley (@_adamcrowley) November 3, 2023
TJ Watt making the tackle with no helmet on pic.twitter.com/9v1uOdZiTy
— Mikey O’ver (@MikeyOver1) November 3, 2023