BREAKING: T.J. Watt Clears the Air on Viral Peace Sign, Inks Historic Deal with Steelers
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Steelers fans can finally exhale — there’s no contract drama lingering over Pittsburgh’s defensive cornerstone. In a saga that had social media buzzing, T.J. Watt, the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the franchise’s all-time sacks leader, took to Instagram in April with a simple peace sign gesture. The cryptic story instantly sent waves of speculation through the NFL world, with many reading it as a hint of frustration over contract negotiations or even a possible exit from Pittsburgh.
This week, Watt finally addressed the viral moment, revealing the peace sign was never meant as a message of discontent — it was just a bit of offseason fun.
“Sometimes it’s just fun to have fun with the narratives out there,” Watt told the media, adding, “It’s fun to see what you guys are all writing, thinking things are one way even though they’re completely a different way.”
As it turns out, negotiations between the Steelers and Watt resulted in a blockbuster: a three-year, $123 million extension that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in football. With an average annual value of $41 million, Watt’s future in Pittsburgh is secured through the 2028 season.
The deal was finalized less than a week before training camp opened at St. Vincent College. Watt himself confirmed the agreement with a flexing photo posted to Instagram on July 17, all but ending the swirling rumors.
Reflecting on the process, Watt admitted he intentionally stayed away from minicamp to avoid becoming a distraction, choosing to keep his routine at home as negotiations played out.
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“There’s definitely more that goes through a lot of things when it comes to a contract,” Watt shared. “I think it was more so being prepared as best I possibly could as opposed to flying in and doing things on the side and potentially being more of a distraction. I’m glad the deal got done. I’m super excited to move forward.”
Watt’s stats speak for themselves: 108 career sacks, two-time runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, and now, a fresh deal that cements his legacy in the Steel City. With training camp underway and the Steelers set to open the season against the New York Jets on September 7, fans can look forward to more dominance from No. 90 — and maybe a few more playful posts along the way.
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