Pittsburgh Steelers OLB TJ Watt is 13.5 sacks shy of his brother JJ’s career total of 114.5, and barring anything unforeseen, this is a number that Watt will beat. While that might give him bragging rights in the family, TJ said in an interview with ESPN’s Hannah Storm that his brother has helped him expand his career and that JJ has plenty to brag about about TJ.

“He has a lot of things to brag about me. He has had a great career and has obviously had some injuries during his career, but there is no one hanging over his head. “I’m fortunate that he wants to help me extend my career and teach me the things he thinks he did wrong, which will help me do better in terms of training and things like that in the offseason,” he said .

TJ said he now focuses on knee, ankle and hip mobility for his offseason workouts and less on strength and power training.

JJ’s career has been plagued by injuries at times, and TJ was also bitten by the injury bug, causing him to miss significant time in 2022 and also miss Pittsburgh’s playoff game last season due to injuries. Whether it’s personal preference or injury avoidance, TJ works more on flexibility and mobility rather than strength. He said lifting doesn’t necessarily do anything to make him a “better football player,” and while he still wants to get stronger, this is less of a focus.

That could be something JJ has instilled in him to help him expand his career and keep his body in good shape now that he’s in his 30s. And while TJ may surpass his brother’s sack total, JJ still has more Defensive Player of the Year awards and playoff wins. TJ could certainly add more DPOY awards to his mantle, but the playoff wins were hard to come by. This is the season where the Steelers have to show they can win in the playoffs.

At 5-2 and in sole possession of first place in the AFC North heading into their Monday Night Football game tonight, the Steelers are in a good position to make the playoffs. Earning a postseason win will be paramount and will certainly enhance Watt’s legacy.

It’s rare to have someone so close who has similar experiences and can help someone reach the next level, but it’s definitely a benefit for TJ to have JJ in his ear to give advice or just support. TJ Watt said that JJ Watt is the only person “who really knows how I look at the game,” and helping him understand what that takes gives TJ a unique support system both on and off the field. That will help him continue to grow as a player.