By Kevin Gorman
https://triblive.com/sports/kevin-gorman-t-j-watts-sets-new-tone-for-steelers-by-embracing-leadership-role/
May 29, 2019
(93.7 The Fan)
T.J. Watt evolved from a rookie who kept his head down and tried not to mess up to a second-year star who led the Pittsburgh Steelers in sacks and was selected to the Pro Bowl.
When asked what he would do for an encore in his third season, the first words out of Watt’s mouth were that he wants to make “more splash, more plays” — and, presumably, more splash plays — but it was what followed that caught my attention.
“Also trying to build that leadership role,” Watt said, “and trying to be a guy that some of the younger guys can look up to and be a tone setter in general for the team.”
When leadership and the Steelers were mentioned in the same sentence the past five months, it was only to talk about how much they were lacking it last season. It was largely to blame for such a talented team not winning the AFC North and missing the postseason for the first time in five years.
So it was a refreshing change to hear the 6-foot-4, 252-pound outside linebacker embracing the responsibility, not so much with his words but by setting an example for his teammates through hard work and dedication to his craft.
“I feel like I haven’t totally proved myself,” Watt said, “but through what I have done around here, the extra work that everyone see me put through work that I can start to get into that leadership role and have a voice on this defense.”
Instead of deferential, Watt wants to be a difference maker.
That Watt is only 24 shouldn’t be a deterrent. He’s young but proved himself by leading the Steelers with 13 sacks, 21 quarterback hits and six forced fumbles and finishing fourth with 68 tackles after switching to the left side last season.
The Pro Bowl nod showed Watt has earned credibility around the NFL, stepping out of the shadow of his older brother to create a name for himself. That’s not easy to do, as Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and five-time All-Pro.
But T.J. Watt knows leadership is earned, not awarded. So he doesn’t treat his Pro Bowl status as if it was a credential that brings him the credibility of a captaincy.
“A little bit, but I don’t care what anyone outside of this locker room thinks of me,” T.J. Watt said. “I care what these guys (on the Steelers) think about me and I earn that through working hard and they all see that. I think that’s the biggest thing here, having respect. You earn respect through working hard and doing the right things on and off the field.”
This is where we should start a slow clap.
The Steelers have been a soap opera of off-field distractions, to the point of being compared to The Kardashians. They are attempting to put that reputation behind them this offseason, but some old habits die hard.
Watt believes he and Bud Dupree are going to have a breakout season — they combined for 181/2 sacks last year — and you have to hope that Watt’s positive energy and big-play ability can rub off on the right outside linebacker.
This is still a veteran-oriented team, but it’s important young stars like Watt, JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner are becoming more visible and vocal. They can either delve into the dysfunction or change the culture and lead the Steelers back to chasing Super Bowl championships.
Watt taking on a leadership role is a step in the right direction.
“I don’t think I had a need to do it. I just think that’s who I am as a person,” Watt said. “Dating back to my Wisconsin days, you just get your feet wet and get the respect of a lot of guys. You see that guys are starting to follow you and ask questions, how you sleep, how your diet is, how you study film? You think, ‘Wow, some guys are starting to follow in my footsteps. It’s time to take on a leadership role.’ It kind of blossoms into what it is.”
Watt admits he’s still figuring out how to be vocal, so his leadership role is not yet in full bloom. That’s what makes the voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp so valuable, as it allows Watt to build a bond and earn the trust of teammates.
“The biggest thing about being a leader is you have to know who you’re talking to at all times because a lot of guys come from different areas,” Watt said. “They take leadership differently. They take coaching and everything differently.
“Being a guy that works really hard, showing through example and then talking when the time is right, not trying to over-coach and be somebody that I’m not.”
That Watt is working hard to become somebody the Steelers need, making splash plays on the field and serving as a leader in the locker room, sets a tone for his teammates to follow.
Kevin Gorman is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Kevin by email atkgorman@tribweb.com or via Twitter .
Categories: Sports | Steelers | Kevin Gorman Columns
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