T.J. Watt, born on October 11, 1994, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, is a standout linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. Watt, who is the younger brother of former 3-time Defensive Player of the Year honoree J. J. Watt, has become one of the league's top defensive players since being selected 30th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. Throughout his NFL career, Watt has made significant achievements, including being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, earning four first-team All-Pro selections, and making seven Pro Bowl appearances. Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 252 lb, he was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2017 and has led the NFL twice in forced fumbles.
Revisiting the early years of Watt’s life, his football career began at Pewaukee School District in his hometown. After finishing his secondary education, the three-star recruit out of high school chose to play for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The younger Watt’s college football career started at tight end but he switched to defense after being asked by head coach Paul Chryst. He played there from 2013 to 2016, piling up defensive stats such as 71 total tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 18 tackles for loss (via Sports Reference). However, he did not play a single game in 2013 and 2014 due to an injury.
T.J. Watt Contract Breakdown
According to Spotrac, T. J. Watt signed his 4-year contract worth $112 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 9, 2021.
| Year | Signing | Average Salary | Guaranteed at Signing | Total GTD |
| 4 yr(s) / $112,011,000 | $35,593,470 | $28,002,750 | $80,000,000 | $80,000,000 |
| Year | Base Salary | Signing Proration | Cap Hit | Dead Cap | Yearly Cash |
| 2021 | $1,000,000 | $7,118,694 | $8,118,694 | $80,593,470 | $36,593,470 |
| 2022 | $15,000,000 | $7,118,694 | $24,368,694 | $72,474,776 | $24,000,000 |
| 2023 | $20,000,000 | $7,118,694 | $29,368,694 | $48,106,082 | $20,000,000 |
| 2024 | $21,050,000 | $7,118,694 | $30,418,694 | $18,737,388 | $21,050,000 |
| 2025 | $21,050,000 | $7,118,694 | $30,418,694 | $9,368,694 | $21,050,000 |
How much is T.J. Watt getting paid?
In 2024, Watt is set to earn a base salary of $21 million. The contract amounts for 2024 to carry a cap hit of $30.4 million and a dead cap value of $9.3 million. As per the terms of T. J. Watt’s contract, he has an average annual salary of $28 million (via Spotrac)
How much does T.J. Watt make in a minute?
If T. J. Watt's contract worth $112 million over 4 years is broken down to a per-minute earning, then Watt makes around $53.4 per minute.
What are the terms of T.J. Watt’s contract?
Watt’s deal included a $35.5 million signing bonus and guaranteed him $80 million at the time of signing. His signing proration is spread over five years at around $7.1 million from 2021 onwards until 2025 (via Spotrac).
How much of T.J. Watt’s contract is guaranteed?
T. J. Watt’s deal guarantees him $80 million out of the whole $112 million mentioned in his contract (via Spotrac).
T.J. Watt Career Earnings
According to Spotrac, T. J. Watt has amassed $110.9 million in his career as of January 2025.
T.J. Watt Contract History
T. J. Watt has signed only one contract before signing a 4-year extension in 2021 (via Spotrac).
| Year | Team | Signing Bonus | Average Salary | Guaranteed at Signing | Total GTD |
| 4 yr(s) / $9,258,568 (2017-2021) | Pittsburgh Steelers | $4,873,504 | $2,314,642 | $9,258,568 | $9,258,568 |
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FAQs on T.J. Watt
A. T. J. Watt won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021.
A. T. J. Watt is 30 years old as of January 2025.
A. T. J. Watt is a 7-time pro bowler.
A. Yes, T. J. Watt and J. J. Watt are brothers.
