Name one of the best defensive players and a player with “Watt” after his name will pop up. Just to clear things up for you, we’re talking about the younger Watt brother. And when your name is Trent Jordan ‘T.J.’ Watt, you’ve got two jobs. One’s like rushing the quarterback on the field, and the other is dealing with sibling rivalries at home.

With the 30th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers got their hands on the younger Watt. Between that day and today, TJ has established himself as a dominant force in the NFL. And you know you’re dealing with a special player when TJ is being mentioned in the same breath as legends like his own brother, JJ.

Are JJ Watt & TJ Watt twins?

So, here’s a fun question that I’m sure many people will ask. Are JJ Watt and TJ Watt twins? Well, if you believe it to be affirmative, sorry to let you down. But, nope, they’re not twins. Though it’s easy to see why someone might think that. The two brothers have a similar build – standing at over 6’4” and weighing over 250 pounds and not to forget the insane athleticism that runs in the Watt family.

On top of that, they both have built their career as the defensive juggernauts, wreaking havoc on the opposing QBs. Looks like it’s their favorite job! But here’s the kicker. As much as they seem alike, they were born five years apart. The eldest Watt brother was born in 1989 while TJ, the youngest one, came along in 1994. While the younger Watt has surely been named for the Pro Bowls and All-Pro honors, let’s jump on the likely future Hall of Famer.

JJ’s career is already legendary, right? Drafted by the Houston Texans as the 11th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft. Ask the Texans fans how would they define him. The kind of player that completely altered the way defenses played. And one might say, the QBs were always looking over their shoulder when JJ Watt was on the field. Well, of course, except for the end of his career, when injuries slowed him down a little.

As for TJ, there was always pressure being the younger brother of the future Hall of Famer. But, truth be told, that doesn’t stop him from blazing his own trail. And the eldest Watt is pretty aware of that. “I always knew he’d be great,” said JJ. “I don’t know if anybody here could have predicted this — because I didn’t.

Did Steelers LB’s Brother also play for the team?

So, the Watt family still has some action left on the field. Talk about Derek Watt, TJ’s other older brother, and JJ’s other younger brother. And if you’re wondering if Derek ever suited up for the Steelers alongside TJ, this time, you’re right. But the story is a little more interesting than just that. Derek isn’t exactly the big-name superstar like his brothers, but he’s played an essential role in his own right.

While TJ and JJ are household names, thanks to their dominance on the field, Derek’s a fullback. And as any NFL fan knows, fullbacks don’t always get the spotlight. He entered the NFL as a 6th-round draft pick for the San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers). After playing for four seasons with the Los Angeles team, Derek joined his brother TJ with the Pittsburgh team in 2020.

Although Derek was not out there collecting sacks or forcing rumbles like TJ Watt and JJ Watt, he was there to help block and set up running plays. But honestly, the Watt brothers’ connection goes beyond being the teammates. It’s a story of a family that has supported each other’s gameplay, no matter the spotlight they’re in.