Watt finished the 2023 season with more sacks (19 to 14) and tackles (68 to 42), while Garrett generated more pressure (79 to 70) and led the NFL’s top-rated defense.

Garrett took issue with another star player commenting on his award.

“I never complained about the trophy not being in my house and vice versa,” he said. “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.”

For his part, Watt didn’t inflame the situation this week, but he didn’t sound like he had any plans to apologize either.

“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,” Watt 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.”

The back-and-forth between the Star Pass Rushers adds some intensity to Thursday’s divisional matchup between the 8-2 Steelers and 2-8 Browns.

“Absolutely,” Garrett said when asked if it adds extra motivation for Thursday night. “Two of the best in the same division play each other twice a year and fans hate each other. Those things get you excited and I know we both feel it and get a little excited before the game.”