The NFL UK Media Award winners are in. The NFL UK Media Awards voting is made up of 50 voters in the UK NFL Media. Here is how they have voted for.
In September 2021, the Steelers extended Watt to a four-year deal worth over $112 million with $80 million guaranteed. Which made him the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. And he immediately started paying them back.
He was named AFC Defensive player of the week on three occasions this season. Firstly, against the Seahawks in Week 6. A game the Steelers won 23-20 and in which Watt had seven total tackles, three tackles for loss, three passes defended, and two sacks. One being a strip sack in overtime that led to the game-winning field goal. Secondly, in Week 13 as the Steelers edged the Ravens 20-19. In that one he had six combined tackles (five solo), 3.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, six quarterback hits and a forced fumble. And finally, in Week 17, as the Steelers beat the Browns 26-14. That time around he had five tackles (all solo), four sacks, three tackles for a loss, five quarterback hits and two passes defended. Three wins which TJ Watt definitely had a huge part in his team recording.
Why TJ Watt deserves the awards
TJ Watt put himself in the record books this year too. He notched up 22.5 sacks. A number that ties Michael Strahan’s NFL single-season record. Is this game inflation at work again? Not at all. Strahan got his sack total in a 16 game season. But, TJ Watt may have been playing in a 17 game season but only started 15 games. He only played 24% of snaps Week 2 against the Raiders, and only played 46% of snaps week 10 against the Lions. Whilst also missing two games. And yet, he was still dominant for the Steelers, and despite missing time he has led the league in several defensive categories.
He doesn’t have as much talent around him on the Steelers D this season. But, that didn’t impact his productivity. He had 64 tackles, (48 solo), the NFL record 225 sacks, and led the league with 21 tackles for a loss and 39 quarterback hits. As well as forcing 5 fumbles, recovered three other fumbles, defended seven passes and was highly ranked as an edge rusher. Not bad for an Outside Linebacker!
TJ Watt, record setter, league leader, team icon, win generator. All add up to a player who thoroughly deserves to be given the DPOY award.
| TJ Watt | 31 |
| Micah Parsons | 3 |
| Aaron Donald | 2 |
| Trevon Diggs | 2 |
| Darius Leonard | 1 |
| Foyesade Oluokun | 1 |
| Myles Garrett | 1 |
Check out all the NFL UK Media Award Winners Here.
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