7 Shocking Ways T.J. Watt Has Already Surpassed J.J. Watt's Legendary NFL Career

The debate over which Watt brother is the greater NFL star has reached a fever pitch, especially with the latest career milestone achieved by the younger sibling. As of December 2025, the comparison between Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Trent Jordan "T.J." Watt and retired Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals defensive end Justin James "J.J." Watt is no longer a hypothetical match-up of potential versus prime, but a direct statistical and accolades showdown. The data from the most recent 2024 NFL season provides the freshest evidence yet in this historic family rivalry, forcing analysts and fans alike to re-evaluate where each player stands in the annals of defensive greatness. This deep dive examines the most up-to-date statistics, awards, and overall impact of both Defensive Player of the Year winners, revealing seven key areas where T.J. is building a case to eclipse his Hall-of-Fame-bound brother J.J. The comparison is closer than ever, with T.J.'s continued elite production in 2024 contrasting sharply with J.J.'s established, yet injury-shortened, career.

The Watt Brothers: Complete Biographical Profiles

The remarkable careers of T.J. Watt and J.J. Watt began in the same Wisconsin household, rooted in a shared athletic tradition that saw all three brothers—including Derek Watt—reach the National Football League. Their biographies set the stage for one of the greatest sibling rivalries in professional sports history.

J.J. Watt (Justin James Watt)

• Full Name: Justin James Watt
• Born: March 22, 1989 (Waukesha, Wisconsin)
• College: University of Wisconsin–Madison (Wisconsin Badgers)
• Draft: 2011 NFL Draft, Round 1 (11th overall) by the Houston Texans
• NFL Teams: Houston Texans (2011–2020), Arizona Cardinals (2021–2022)
• Current Role: CBS Sports NFL Studio Analyst

T.J. Watt (Trent Jordan Watt)

• Full Name: Trent Jordan Watt
• Born: October 11, 1994 (Pewaukee, Wisconsin)
• College: University of Wisconsin–Madison (Wisconsin Badgers)
• Draft: 2017 NFL Draft, Round 1 (30th overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers
• NFL Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (2017–Present)

The Statistical Showdown: T.J. Takes the All-Time Sack Lead

The most recent and significant shift in the T.J. vs. J.J. debate revolves around the all-time sack leaderboard, a metric that definitively measures a pass rusher's dominance.

1. T.J. Watt Now Holds the Career Sack Advantage

In a monumental achievement, T.J. Watt officially surpassed his older brother on the NFL’s all-time career sacks list during the 2024 season. T.J. now stands at 115.0 career sacks, edging out J.J. Watt’s final career total of 114.5 sacks. This is a critical turning point. J.J. reached his total in 151 career games, while T.J. achieved 115.0 sacks in just 134 games, highlighting his incredible efficiency and durability through his first eight seasons.

2. J.J. Watt’s Unmatched Dominance in DPOY Awards

While T.J. has the sack lead, J.J. Watt’s peak remains arguably the most dominant defensive stretch in modern NFL history. J.J. is one of only two players to ever win the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year (AP DPOY) award three times (2012, 2014, 2015). T.J. Watt secured his first AP DPOY award in 2021, a season in which he tied Michael Strahan's single-season sack record with 22.5. For T.J. to truly surpass J.J.’s legacy, he would need at least one more DPOY trophy to match the raw volume of his brother's elite recognition.

3. T.J. Watt’s Superior Pro Bowl and All-Pro Volume

T.J. Watt has demonstrated remarkable consistency, particularly in recent years. Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, T.J. was selected to his seventh career Pro Bowl. This volume of sustained excellence gives him a slight edge in total selections over J.J. Watt, who finished his career with five Pro Bowl selections. J.J. and T.J. are tied in First-Team All-Pro selections, with J.J. having five and T.J. having four, with T.J. still having active years to potentially pull ahead.

The Intangibles: Impact, Durability, and Legacy

Beyond the raw numbers, the complete picture of each player’s career involves their overall impact on the game, their health, and their place in NFL history.

4. J.J. Watt’s Unmatched Versatility and Defensive Line Impact

J.J. Watt’s career was defined by his positional versatility and ability to disrupt plays from multiple spots on the defensive line. As a defensive end, he amassed incredible numbers in passes defended (63 total) and blocked kicks (16 total), showcasing a rare ability to impact the game at the line of scrimmage in ways T.J., as an outside linebacker, does not. J.J. Watt’s 2014 season—where he recorded 20.5 sacks, 5 touchdowns (3 receiving, 2 fumble returns), and an interception—is often cited as the greatest defensive season of all time, a feat that T.J. has yet to replicate.

5. The Durability and Longevity Factor Favors T.J. Watt

The primary difference between the two careers is J.J.'s struggle with major injuries in the middle of his prime, which ultimately led to his retirement. J.J. missed significant time in three seasons (2016, 2017, and 2019) due to back, leg, and pectoral injuries. T.J. Watt, despite a recent health scare involving a partially collapsed lung following a dry-needling treatment session in 2024, has largely maintained a higher level of week-to-week availability and production, which is a key reason he was able to pass J.J. in career sacks. T.J.'s sustained health has allowed him to build a more consistent statistical résumé.

6. J.J. Watt’s Humanitarian Legacy: Walter Payton Award

While both brothers are known for their philanthropy, J.J. Watt's legacy is forever cemented by his 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. This prestigious honor was a direct result of his monumental fundraising efforts for Hurricane Harvey relief in Houston, which raised over $41 million. This award elevates J.J.'s standing beyond the gridiron, giving him a unique off-field accomplishment that T.J. has yet to match.

7. T.J. Watt’s Unprecedented Sacks Per Game Rate

When comparing their careers on a per-game basis, T.J. Watt’s efficiency as a pass rusher is undeniable. With 115.0 sacks in 134 games, T.J.'s rate of 0.858 sacks per game is one of the highest in NFL history. J.J. Watt's rate of 114.5 sacks over 151 games is 0.758 sacks per game. This statistical gap, which is only widening as T.J. continues to play at an elite level, suggests that T.J. is on a trajectory to finish with a significantly higher career sack total than his brother, solidifying his case as the most efficient pass rusher in the family. His 11.5 sacks in the 2024 season, which earned him a Pro Bowl nod, further proves his sustained dominance.

The Final Verdict: A Legacy Still Being Written

The ongoing debate of T.J. Watt versus J.J. Watt is a gift to football fans, allowing for a continuous comparison of two generational talents from the same family. J.J. Watt's three Defensive Player of the Year awards and his unparalleled versatility give him the edge in terms of peak defensive dominance and overall career impact, and he is a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, T.J. Watt's recent surpassing of J.J. on the all-time sack list, his superior Pro Bowl volume, and his remarkable sacks-per-game efficiency indicate a career of greater longevity and sustained production. If T.J. can remain healthy and secure just one more DPOY award, he will create an irrefutable case for himself as the most decorated and statistically accomplished member of the legendary Watt family. The race is closer than ever, and T.J. is currently driving the narrative.