Steelers’ T.J. Watt, Miles Killebrew named 1st-team AP NFL All Pro
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Outside linebacker T.J. Watt and special-teams captain Miles Killebrew were part of the first-team AP NFL All-Pro team announced Friday.
Watt’s honor as a first-team edge rusher is the fourth of his career, also being so designated in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Watt finished among the top three in balloting for NFL Defensive Player of the Year for each of those seasons, winning the award for 2021.
Watt this season led the NFL in sacks with 19, becoming the first player (since sacks became official in 1982) to be the league sacks champion three times. Named last week to a Pro Bowl roster for a sixth time, Watt became the Steelers’ career sacks leader in September. He has 68 tackles (48 solo, 19 for loss) with 39 QB hits, an interception, eight pass defenses, four forced fumbles and a fumble return for a touchdown.
“If he’s not the (2023) Defensive Player of the Year, it’s disrespectful,” inside linebacker Elandon Roberts said.
“If he’s not Defensive Player of the Year, I think we should start looking into the criteria to it.”
Watt suffered a knee injury during last week’s regular-season finale and is unavailable for when the Steelers open their postseason this weekend at the Buffalo Bills.
#Steelers Miles Killebrew with a BLOCK punt for a SAFETY‼️????#HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/sWGZbj5TIs
— The Athletes Plug (@TheAthletesPlug) October 8, 2023
Killebrew is a first-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler this season. The Steelers’ special-teams captain, Killebrew blocked a punt for a safety during an October win against the rival Baltimore Ravens. Killebrew also got a piece of a punt during a December game against the New England Patriots — while it was not an official block, the kick traveled just 11 yards and set up a fourth-quarter Steelers touchdown.
For the season, Killebrew was credited with 12 special-teams tackles, one off the league lead. Killebrew also played extensively on defense late in the season when injury afflicted the Steelers’ safeties corps.
Killebrew said special teams coordinator Danny Smith gathered the punt team during practice to disclose to Killebrew about the honor.
“Obviously, tremendously honored, grateful, all glory to Jesus, thankful for my wife who’s been holding it down, supporting me all these years, my parents obviously, but obviously these guys on this team,” Killebrew said. “I think it’s completely reflective of all of the hours that we put in. We’ve got each other’s backs, and coach Danny Smith has been leading us in a way that’s been truly exemplary. So it’s been amazing to be a part of.”
This is the fifth consecutive season the Steelers have had at least one first-team All-Pro. They have had 10 first-team All-Pros over that span.
The Steelers have had at least one first- or second-team All-Pro each of the past 23 seasons.
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