T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward in heated battle on Steelers all-time sack list

T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward are in a heated battle to become third all-time in Pittsburgh Steelers history in sacks. 

We all know how good T.J. Watt is at this point (or at least we should). Though many fans who grew up in the 70s have a hard time labeling T.J. Watt in the same category as Pittsburgh’s all-time great defenders, we all know that this is where he is going to end up. In fact, he may get there sooner than you think.

Thanks to an electric start to his NFL career, Watt is on a remarkable pace. Through his first four NFL seasons, the Steelers star edge defender has earned a whopping 49.5 sacks. Believe it or not, this already makes him 8th all-time in sacks in Pittsburgh Steelers history, according to Pro Football Reference – and he’s only beginning to scratch the surface.

Because sacks were not an official stat in the NFL until 1982, several great Super Bowl-winning Steelers legends are not included on this list. As a result, James Harrison currently leads the category with 80.4 sacks as a member of the Steelers. The former 4-time Pro Bowl and 2-time All-Pro player had a remarkable 16.0-sack season in 2008 that was capped off with Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Just below him on the list are Jason Gildon (77.0 sacks), Joey Porter (60.0), Keith Willis (59.0), Cameron Heyward (58.0), and LaMarr Woodley (57.0).

T.J. Watt is still just 26 years old and has improved his sack totals in each NFL season so far. His 15.0-sack campaign last year led all NFL players and was one of the best and most productive single-season defensive performances in Steelers history.

Watt in a heated battle with Cameron Heyward on Steelers all-time list

Because he is trending at such an incredible rate, T.J. Watt could very well move to 3rd all-time among Steelers sacks leaders with another great season in 2021. Watt isn’t going to catch James Harrison or Jason Gildon this year – that will come later down the road. However, to leapfrog Joey Porter for 3rd all-time, Watt would need just 10.5 sacks this season.

If only it were that simple. Cameron Heyward (who is obviously still an active player) will be battling Watt to become 3rd in sacks in Steelers history after the 2021 season. Heyward is currently much closer with 59.0 sacks already under his belt. To pass Joey Porter, he needs just 2.5 sacks.

Unfortunately for Heyward, he may never see his name this high on the list. The veteran defensive lineman earned just 4.0 sacks in 15 starts last season. While another season like this would be good enough to move into second place, that may only happen if Watt has a down year.

T.J. Watt is currently 9.5 sacks behind Cameron Heyward all-time. This means that if Watt can record another 15.0-sack season, Heyward must record at least 5.0 sacks to claim the spot as Pittsburgh’s 3rd all-time sack leader. If he doesn’t get it this year, Watt will claim it and never look back.

The Steelers are incredibly fortunate to have players like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward on their roster. Both players will be top-four in sacks for the Steelers after the 2021 season.