The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive stars have graced the AFC North battle that will take place on Thursday night.

Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was named the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year as he secured 14 sacks and 42 tackles in 16 games en route to a fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection. He received 23 first-place votes and narrowly defeated Pittsburgh Steelers star TJ Watt.

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Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett warms up before the Saints game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Watt led the NFL in sacks with 19 and had 48 total tackles in 17 games. He appeared to be angry at the perceived criticism and expressed his feelings in a social media post, saying: “Nothing I’m not used to.”

Garrett told reporters Tuesday that he thought Watt should apologize after he didn’t reach out to congratulate the Browns star.

‘No, he didn’t say anything to me. He has to apologize to me when I see him,” he said.

Garrett explained that he was never one to complain about missing out on a prize.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett speaks during a press conference after the Saints game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

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“I never complained about the trophy not being in my house and vice versa,” he added, via NFL.com. “He shouldn’t have it both ways that it goes to me. So I’m just going to play the game, I’m not playing against TJ, he’s not playing against me. But we have a plan going forward.” We have to do what we have to do: win the game and dominate the defense. But this year it’s up for grabs, and we’ll see the best man win.”

Watt took the opportunity to praise Garrett’s abilities on the football field.

“I have respect for everyone in the league. Obviously, he’s a guy who has been a top pass rusher in the league for a long time,” he said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “But I’m not competing against him directly. It’s our team against their team, and at the end of the day I just want the Pittsburgh Steelers to come out with a win.”

Steelers linebacker TJ Watt is introduced before the Baltimore Ravens game Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

The two star defensemen will once again face off for the title of Defensive Player of the Year.

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Garrett has seven sacks and 23 tackles in 10 games. Watt has 7.5 sacks and 36 tackles. He also leads the NFL in forced fumbles with four.

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