Former Houston Texans defender JJ Watt just enjoyed a special moment. He had the opportunity to call an important milestone for younger brother, TJ Watt.
Videos by FanBuzz
The elder Watt was in the CBS Sports booth Sunday afternoon as the Pittsburgh Steelers played the Chicago Bears. He provided analysis as TJ delivered a strip sack on Bears quarterback Caleb in the end zone during the second quarter.
This play resulted in a Steelers touchdown as Nick Herbig recovered the fumble in the end zone. It also took TJ to 115 career sacks, moving him past the elder Watt (114.5 sacks). TJ is now 26th all-time on the NFL's official sacks leaderboard.
"If he's going to pass my record, that's one hell of a way to do it. Good for you TJ."@JJWatt on TJ Watt passing him in career sacks
PITvsCHI on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/kvTf89M584
— NFL (@NFL) November 23, 2025
"I mean, if he's gonna pass my record, that's one hell of a way to do it with a strip-sack causing a touchdown," Watt said while watching the replay. "Good for you, T.J."
Taking the Watt family lead in sacks is significant considering the high bar set by the former Texans and Cardinals defender.
The older brother played eight full seasons and four partial seasons due to injuries. He posted 114.5 sacks and 317 quarterback hits while earning five All-Pro selections and three AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards.
TJ, for comparison, is midway through his ninth NFL season since joining the Steelers as a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He has earned All-Pro honors four times and one AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. He has earned seven trips to the Pro Bowl.
At only 31 years of age, TJ has plenty of time to build his Hall of Fame resume if he so desires. He can continue chasing down quarterbacks and moving up the NFL's sacks leaderboard.
The next player within reach of TJ is Cardinals defender Calais Campbell, who has 115.5 sacks entering Sunday afternoon's game. Browns defender Myles Garrett has 117.5 sacks entering Sunday afternoon's game. Former NFL defender Clyde Simmons ended his career with 121.5 sacks.
