Steelers star TJ Watt says he’s ‘built’ for handling the pressure of his massive contract
In the weeks leading up to the 2021 season, Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive end T.J. Watt remained without an extension.
However, the situation kicked into high gear on Thursday as the two sides agreed on a record-setting four-year, $112 million extension. It includes a $35 million signing bonus and $80 million guaranteed over the next three years.
“Man, I’ve been dealing with pressure my whole life,” Watt said about trying to live up to the pressures of the record-setting deal via ESPN. “… I’m built for this. And I truly believe that nothing monetary will change me as a person. The work that I put in will not change. It will only grow.
“… It’s my job to prove all these people that have put this amount of money to me and stood on the table to say they want me here, to prove them right. I know I can do it. I know exactly what it takes. I’ve been doing it my whole life. It’s just about continuing to do it and staying hungry. And I guarantee everybody here right now and everybody in this building, I am still hungry.”
It’s a life-changing contract rewarding his stellar play over his first few NFL seasons. He’s coming off a career-high and league-best 15.0 sacks. Through his first four seasons, he’s recorded 49.5 sacks and 17 forced fumbles.
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The 26-year-old is in the prime of his career with several highly productive campaigns ahead. Watt anchors the Steelers defense, which is among the league’s best defensive units.
