Steelers defensive stars T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward voted to Pro Bowl

Chris Adamski
Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021 8:21 p.m. | Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021 8:21 p.m.

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Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt plays during Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field. Watt on Wednesday was named to the Pro Bowl roster for the fourth consecutive season.

Defensive stars T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward were voted to the Pro Bowl on Wednesday, giving the Pittsburgh Steelers multiple representatives at the NFL’s all-star game for the 21st consecutive season.

For Heyward, the 32-year-old defensive tackle, this is the fifth consecutive season he has been honored. Watt’s Pro Bowl berth is his fourth in a row, dating to the outside linebacker’s second NFL season in 2018.

Watt leads the NFL with a franchise-record 17½ sacks, despite missing two full games and more than half of three others because of injuries. Watt also leads the NFL in QB hits with 30 and is second in tackles for loss (17) and tied for fourth in forced fumbles (four). He almost assuredly will be a first- or second-team All-Pro for the fourth year in a row, as well.

Heyward has been first- or second-team All-Pro three times over the past four seasons. The All-Pro team — one for the whole league — will be announced early next month.

The Steelers’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award recognizing excellence on the field and in the community, Heyward leads NFL defensive tackles in total tackles (73), solo tackles (41) and passes defended (seven). He is tied for second in tackles for loss (11) and tied for fifth in sacks (7).

Among other Steelers players who warranted consideration for the Pro Bowl were safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and receiver Diontae Johnson. Fitzpatrick was first-team All-Pro each of the prior two seasons, and Johnson is tied for eighth in the NFL in catches with 86 and is 10th in receiving yards with 1,028.

Pro Bowl honors are determined by the consensus votes of fans, players and coaches. Each group’s vote counts one-third. Players and coaches voted last week, and the final fan tally was announced Monday. Watt, return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud and punter Pressley Harvin III won balloting by fans at their respective positions.

This year’s Pro Bowl is scheduled for Feb. 6 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Last year’s game was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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