The awards season has been in full swing recently, and two players who have secured multiple awards are now in contention for a significant one.
Linebacker T.J. Watt has emerged as one of the five finalists for the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is among the five finalists for the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The recipients of the awards will be revealed at the NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 8 in Las Vegas. The event will be broadcast on CBS and NFL Network, and it can also be streamed on Paramount+ and NFL+.
T.J. Watt secured the 101 Awards AFC Defensive Player of the Year for 2023, marking his third win of this accolade in his career; he previously achieved the honor in 2020 and 2021. Watt also earned spots on the Pro Football Writers of America All-NFL and All-AFC teams, and he received First Team Associated Press All-Pro recognition for the fourth time in his career.
Watt, recognized as a dominant force by his peers, led the NFL in sacks for the 2023 season with 19, the second-highest in his career. This marked his third time leading the league in this category, with previous achievements in 2020 and 2021. Notably, he became the sole player in NFL history to accomplish this feat three times. Watt also joined the ranks of the seven players since 1982 with at least 17 sacks in two of their first seven seasons. Despite missing the Pro Bowl due to a season-ending injury, he was named the Steelers’ 2023 MVP, securing the honor for the fourth time.
During the 2023 season, Watt set a new Steelers all-time sack record, reaching 81.5 career sacks against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. This achievement surpassed the previous record set by James Harrison. Watt now holds the Steelers record with 96.5 career sacks, ranking as the third-most in NFL history for a player in their first seven seasons.
As for Joey Porter Jr., the Steelers’ second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, he quickly emerged as a valuable asset assigned to cover opponents’ top receivers. Despite not starting the season as a regular starter, Porter’s playing time increased gradually in the first six games. By Week 8, he earned a starting role and continued to impress. Porter concluded the season with 42 tackles, 32 solo stops, 10 passes defensed, an interception against the Baltimore Ravens, and a tackle for a loss. His stellar performance earned him a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team.
Coach Mike Tomlin commended Porter’s mindset and competitiveness, expressing excitement about the trajectory of his career. Despite not starting from Week 1, Porter reflected positively on the decision to ease him into the season, acknowledging its impact on his physical well-being.
