HE DOESN’T DESERVE IT: Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Boldly Tells The Steeler General Manager After He Suggested That Linebacker T.J Watt Should Be Given The..

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is making headlines after reportedly shutting down a suggestion from General Manager Omar Khan regarding linebacker T.J. Watt. According to sources, Khan proposed that Watt should be given less playing time in an effort to preserve his health and potentially groom younger talent.

Tomlin’s response? A resounding, “He doesn’t deserve it.”

The statement, delivered with characteristic passion, underscored Tomlin’s unwavering belief in Watt’s role as a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense. T.J. Watt, a perennial Pro Bowler and the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is widely regarded as one of the league’s premier pass rushers.

“He’s not just one of the best players on this team—he’s one of the best players in the NFL,” Tomlin reportedly told Khan during a team strategy session. “You don’t sideline a guy like that. Not now, not ever.”

Watt, 30, has been instrumental in the Steelers’ success, consistently delivering game-changing performances. Despite battling injuries in past seasons, Watt’s production remains elite. In 2024, he recorded double-digit sacks and several forced turnovers, once again proving why he’s a vital piece of Pittsburgh’s defensive puzzle.

Tomlin’s defense of Watt reportedly struck a chord with other members of the organization. Several players and coaches are said to support the veteran coach’s stance, emphasizing that Watt’s leadership and dominance on the field are irreplaceable.

While the GM’s suggestion may have stemmed from a desire to think long-term, Tomlin’s rebuttal highlights the importance of balancing future planning with present competitiveness. For a team like the Steelers, whose culture revolves around grit and excellence, sidelining a player of Watt’s caliber could send the wrong message to fans and players alike.

Neither the Steelers nor Watt’s representatives have commented publicly on the matter. However, the story has already sparked a wave of fan reactions, with most praising Tomlin for standing by his star linebacker.

As the Steelers prepare for the 2025 season, one thing is clear: with Mike Tomlin at the helm and T.J. Watt leading the charge, Pittsburgh is staying true to its winning mentality.