Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick says voting for the Defensive Player of the Year award is “rigged” if linebacker TJ Watt doesn’t win.
Looking back at the 2021 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, one cannot overlook the huge role linebacker TJ Watt had in them securing a playoff berth. Watt’s stats through 15 games are what propelled him to be the favorite for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, that the award voting is “rigged” if Watt doesn’t win.
Minkah Fitzpatrick says DPOY vote is ‘rigged’ if TJ Watt doesn’t win
Watt was a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award last season but lost to Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. This year, Watt made history.
During the Steelers’ Week 18 overtime win over the rival Baltimore Ravens, Watt tied New York Giants legend Michael Strahan for the most sacks recorded in a single season with 22.5. Watt was able to do it in 15 games, unlike Strahan who did it in 16 games.
In addition to sacks, Watt recorded a league-high 64 tackles, a league-high 21 tackles for loss, 39 quarterback hits, seven passes defensed, five forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.
In Pittsburgh’s wild-card round matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, Watt recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown to give the Steelers an early 7–0 first-half lead. The Steelers lost 42-21.
Steelers fans will find out whether or not Watt wins the Defensive Player of the Year award at the NFL awards ceremony on February 10.
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Steelers security says award voting is ‘rigged’ if TJ Watt is not DPOY