Two of the NFL’s top pass rushers are brothers. J.J. Watt, who played from 2011-2022, is a formidable force with 114.5 career sacks. Meanwhile, his brother T.J. Watt, leads the league with 73.5 sacks since 2020.

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced a historic three-year, $123 million contract extension with T.J. Watt, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history at a remarkable $41 million AAV. This surpasses Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals and Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns.

J.J. Watt responded on social media to his brother’s achievement with a three-word tweet:

Earned.
Deserved.
Incredible.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt)

T.J. Watt is a seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time First Team All-Pro, cementing his status in NFL history. He recorded 22.5 sacks in one season in 2021, equalling the record held by Michael Strahan, despite missing two games. In 2024, he was one of just four players to achieve 60 tackles and 10 sacks in a season.

As T.J. approaches his brother’s total of 108 sacks over eight seasons, discussions have begun about who will pay for dinner next! J.J. humorously noted:

I swear, if this guy even lets me begin to reach for my wallet at dinner… ✨

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt)