Cam Heyward reacts to TJ Watt winning Defensive Player of the Year

Steelers star edge rusher TJ Watt was awarded with the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year honors during the NFL Awards Ceremony Thursday night. Players throughout the league have taken to social media to congratulate the superstar from the Steel City, including his teammate, Cam Hayward.

He freaking did it!!! Congrats my @_TJWatt

— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) February 11, 2022

“He freaking did it!!!” Hayward wrote after Watt won the award.

Watt was greeted by his brother, a former DPOY himself, JJ Watt on stage after being handed the award. Certainly a moment to remember for the Watt family. JJ Watt had the pleasure of announcing the decision live on ABC. Before he announced his brother as the winner, a small grin appeared on the older Watt’s face.

TJ & JJ ❤️@JJWatt @_TJWatt

📺: #NFLHonors on ABC & NFL Network pic.twitter.com/GeI09Fxldi

— NFL (@NFL) February 11, 2022

“Wow. I just want to thank my parents. My mom and my dad,” TJ Watt said during his acceptance speech. “My brothers Derek and JJ. You guys have just pushed me so much to be able to get me to this point. My beautiful fiancé Danny for being my number one supporter. My teammates and coaches back home in Pittsburgh, this truly is not possible without you guys that put in so much work that goes unnoticed. That goes for the guys that put in work in the cafeterias, the guys that are taping ankles — this one is for all you guys.”

Watt had a season to remember, tying Michael Strahan’s single season sack record with 22.5, making him a borderline lock to win Defensive Player of the Year. Especially when Watt did it in just 15 games after missing two due to injury.

In addition, Watt tallied 64 tackles, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries with seven pass deflections over 15 games. His 21 tackles for loss and 39 quarterback hits also ranked among the league’s best.

The former Wisconsin star – and brother of three-time Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt – beat out perineal winner Aaron Donald, who starred again for the Los Angeles Rams on the defensive line. He also beat the pair of Dallas Cowboys defensive stars Trevon Diggs and Micah Parsons, who broke out as two of the NFL’s best young defenders during the 2021 season.

“I grew up coming to this awards show. I think I’ve been about four or five times, never came home with hardware,” Watt said. “But every time I left more motivated than the time I got here and I promise this only motivates me more, so thank you.”