Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt Rivalry Sparks Ahead of Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Matchup

The upcoming division game between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers has been intensified by the ongoing rivalry between two of the NFL’s top defensive players, Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt. This tension follows the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award, which Garrett won, but not without controversy.

In February, Garrett, a formidable pass rusher for the Browns, took home his first Defensive Player of the Year award, leaving Watt publicly voicing his disappointment. Watt, outside linebacker for the Steelers, who did not attend the NFL Honors, expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, posting, «nothing I’m not used to.» Garrett addressed this post on Tuesday, stating he hasn’t heard from Watt directly regarding the issue.

«No, he didn’t say nothing to me. He’s got to apologize to me when I see him,» said Garrett, as per the Browns’ official transcript. Garrett appeared unperturbed by the public disagreement, further commenting on the rivalry over the accolade. «I’ve never complained about the trophy not being in my house and vice versa,» he added. «So, I’m just going to play the game, I don’t play against T.J., he doesn’t play against me. But we have a plan to go out and do what we’re supposed to, win the game and dominate on defense.»

Statistically, Watt had an impressive 2023 season, leading Garrett in sacks, with 19 compared to Garrett’s 14, and more tackles, 68 to Garrett’s 42. However, Garrett managed more pressures, recording 79 to Watt’s 70, while leading the NFL’s top-rated defense.

When asked for his comments, Watt maintained a focus on the game rather than interpersonal rivalries. «I have respect for everybody in the league. Obviously, he’s a guy who has been a top pass rusher in the league for a long time,» Watt said, according to reports. «But I don’t compete directly against him. It’s our team versus their team, and at the end of the day, I just want the Pittsburgh Steelers to come out with a win.»

The clash between these star players contributes to the anticipation surrounding Thursday night’s matchup, where the Steelers hold an 8-2 record against the Browns’ 2-8. Their rivalry is emblematic of the fierce competition typical of divisional games, with Garrett acknowledging the heightened emotions. «Two of the very best in the same division, play each other twice a year and fans hate each other. That kind of stuff gets you excited and I know we both feel it and get a little bit juiced up for the matchup,» Garrett expressed.