CBS SPORTS: T.J. Watt Apologizes for Passing Over Defensive Player of the Year…

In a recent statement that sent ripples through the NFL, Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ star pass rusher, boldly declared that T.J. Watt should apologize to him for the “Defensive Player of the Year” (DPOY) snub he received during the 2021 NFL season. Garrett, who had an outstanding year himself, expressed frustration over what he believed to be an unjust decision, claiming that he deserved the award over Watt, who ultimately took home the honors. This comment sparked a debate that further fueled the fierce rivalry between the two elite pass rushers, who have become the faces of the AFC North’s defensive powerhouses.

The 2021 season saw both Garrett and Watt putting up eye-popping numbers, with each player dominating their respective opponents and consistently affecting games in meaningful ways. Watt finished the season with 22.5 sacks, tying the NFL single-season sack record set by Michael Strahan in 2001. He also forced five fumbles and had an interception, all while helping lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs. However, despite his incredible statistical output, the DPOY award that year was handed to Watt, much to the dismay of Garrett, who had an impressive 16 sacks and was an integral part of the Browns’ defense.

Garrett’s frustration with the snub was palpable during his comments, as he emphasized that he felt his performance was just as deserving of the honor. The Browns’ defensive end made it clear that he believed he had a more significant impact on his team’s success and had played a more complete season than Watt. Garrett highlighted that while Watt’s sack numbers were impressive, his own contributions to the Browns’ defense, including his ability to affect games in various ways, were overlooked in the voting. In Garrett’s eyes, the DPOY snub wasn’t just a slight against him personally—it was a reflection of how the narrative surrounding defensive players is often shaped by narratives that prioritize sack numbers over the broader scope of a player’s impact.

This statement also brought attention to the longstanding debate about what criteria should truly define a Defensive Player of the Year. While sacks are often seen as the most visible statistic for a pass rusher, other factors like pressures, tackles for loss, forced fumbles, and the ability to disrupt plays beyond the sack can be just as crucial. Garrett made the case that his ability to disrupt the pocket, his versatility, and his all-around performance should have earned him the award. He believed that players like him, who can impact the game in multiple ways, often don’t get the recognition they deserve compared to players who rely primarily on one dominant stat like sacks.

Watt, for his part, has not publicly responded to Garrett’s request for an apology. Known for his quiet, focused approach to the game, Watt has often let his play do the talking. However, his victory in the DPOY race was seen by many as deserved, given his record-breaking sack total and the importance he played in the Steelers’ defense. Watt’s leadership, consistency, and ability to change the course of games were key elements that led to his receiving the award.

The tension between Garrett and Watt isn’t just about the DPOY race, though. It is emblematic of the larger rivalry between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers, two teams that have a storied history of competitive animosity. Both teams are perennial contenders in the AFC North, and each boasts top-tier talent on both sides of the ball. The rivalry between Garrett and Watt only adds to the drama, as each player vies for supremacy in a division known for hard-nosed, physical football.

Garrett’s comments about the snub have added fuel to the fire, but they also shed light on the growing rivalry between the two pass rushers. While Garrett may feel slighted, it’s clear that he is motivated to prove his worth on the field. His comments suggest a desire to get the recognition he feels he deserves, and his drive to claim the title of DPOY in the future could lead to even more intense performances. For Watt, he has now been thrust into the spotlight once again, with some fans and analysts already anticipating how he will respond to the challenge posed by Garrett.

For NFL fans, the ongoing battle between Garrett and Watt only adds another layer of excitement to an already compelling AFC North rivalry. Both players are among the league’s best, and their competition for dominance will only intensify in the years to come. Whether Garrett’s demand for an apology from Watt is taken seriously or becomes just another storyline in the saga of their rivalry, one thing is certain: the NFL world will be watching closely as both of these elite pass rushers continue to make their mark on the game.

T. J. Watt