Steelers safety says awards voting ‘rigged’ if T.J. Watt isn’t DPOY

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick says that voting for Defensive Player of the Year award is “rigged” if linebacker T.J. Watt does not win.

When looking back at the 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers season, you can not gloss over how huge of a role that linebacker T.J. Watt had on them clinching a playoff berth. Watt’s stats through 15 games are what propelled him to being the frontrunner for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick said, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, that the award voting is “rigged” if Watt does not win.

Minkah Fitzpatrick says DPOY voting is ‘rigged’ if T.J. Watt does not win

Watt was a finalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award last season but lost out to Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. This year, Watt made history.

During the Steelers’ Week 18 overtime victory 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 so in 15 games, as opposed to Strahan, who did it in 16 games.

Besides the sacks, Watt recorded 64 combined tackles, a league-high 21 tackles for loss, 39 quarterback hits, seven defended passes, 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 lead in the first half. The Steelers lost 42-21.

Steelers fans will know whether or not Watt wins Defensive Player of the Year at the NFL Honors ceremony on Feb. 10.