3S.Hall of Fame legend Dick LeBeau lavishes praise on T.J. Watt after a Defining win over the Colts: “I saw a completely new T.J. Watt – stronger, fiercer, and a true leader.”
Hall of Fame legend Dick LeBeau lavishes praise on T.J. Watt after a Defining win over the Colts: “I saw a completely new T.J. Watt – stronger, fiercer, and a true leader.”
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – November 3, 2025
After weeks of debate surrounding T.J. Watt’s performance, one of the most respected voices in football history has spoken — and his words carry real weight. Hall of Fame legend Dick LeBeau, the iconic former defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers, came forward to defend and praise Watt following the team’s dominant 27-20 victory over the AFC-leading Indianapolis Colts.
“I’ve seen a different T.J. Watt,” LeBeau said in an interview Monday. “Stronger, more aggressive, and above all — a true leader. He didn’t just play football on Sunday; he commanded the field. Every tackle, every chase, every snap — you could feel his presence everywhere.”
Watt was the driving force behind Pittsburgh’s victory — a performance that reignited the team’s defensive identity. His relentless pursuit of quarterback Daniel Jones from the opening drive sparked a defensive storm that resulted in five turnovers. Under his leadership, the Steelers’ defense overwhelmed one of the league’s most dangerous offenses, forcing the No. 1 team in the standings into total disarray.
LeBeau, who coached generations of all-time great defenders, said Watt’s game reminded him of the “Steel Curtain” mentality that once defined Pittsburgh football.
“That’s what championship defense looks like,” LeBeau said. “He brought back that fire — the kind that makes opponents hesitate before every snap. When your leader plays like that, everyone around him rises with him.”
After facing questions about his durability and consistency earlier in the season, Watt answered them all against Indianapolis — not just with numbers, but with leadership and presence. His energy, command, and ability to elevate teammates reflected the very spirit that made past Steelers legends unforgettable.
As the Steelers continue their playoff push, LeBeau’s words ring as both praise and warning: Pittsburgh’s defense — and its leader — are officially back.
“When T.J. Watt plays like that,” LeBeau concluded, “nobody in this league sleeps easy.”
