T.J. Watt contract: Comparing Steelers' star career earnings with J.J. Watt
T.J. Watt and J.J. Watt are an example of brothers that took the rivalry to the next level. While the brothers are supportive of each other's success, there is a clear difference in what the NFL has done for their bank account balance.
J.J., the older one of the two, didn't have the luxury of playing in the current NFL landscape where salaries have exploded. Despite being one of the game's best defensive players at the time, it's T.J., who is six years younger, that has been able to cash in – now by inking a three-year, $123 million extension with $108 million guaranteed.
It marks the second major contract extension for the Pittsburgh Steelers star and makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Here's a look the career earnings comparison between two of the best pass-rushers in recent memory, who also happen to be brothers.
T.J. Watt career earnings
The younger Watt brother has made $110.9 million throughout his career to this point, according to Spotrac. That figure is for Watt's first eight seasons in the league, all of them with the Steelers. The four-time All-Pro and 2021 Defensive Player of the Year previously inked a four-year, $112 million deal in Pittsburgh, which was set to expire after the 2025 season.
That would bring his career earnings to more than $131.9 million, with the new three-year, $123 million deal set to kick in after that.
In what will likely be Watt's last big contract in his NFL career, the Steelers' star would finish this latest extension following his age-34 season. If he plays through the deal, as constructed, he would bring his total earnings up to $254.9 million.
NFL HIGHEST PAID DEFENDERS: Where T.J. Watt ranks after Steelers extension
J.J. Watt career earnings
The elder Watt certainly made a fine living for himself on the gridiron as well. Unfortunately for this Watt, he played primarily during a time when the NFL salary cap hadn't yet exploded for defensive players like him. The former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals standout still finished his 12-year career with over $129.7 million in career earnings, per Spotrac – a number his brother will easily surpass in the coming season in three less seasons.
Injuries played a big role in Watt's career, however, limiting him to just two full seasons in his last seven.
Regardless, Watt was a five-time All-Pro, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and, more importantly, a one-man wrecking crew on the field with 114.5 sacks in his 12 seasons.
Despite retiring from the game in 2022, Watt settled into a role with "The NFL Today" on CBS as a game analyst. He's also been known for helping raise money to support Hurricane Harvey victims in Houston and other forms of philanthropy.
Needless to say, the Watt family has certainly cashed in with the NFL.
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