JJ Watt had 3-word reaction to brother TJ's new contract

JJ Watt had 3-word reaction to brother TJ’s new contract

Oct 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Former Houston Texans player J.J. Watt speaks to the crowd after being inducted into the Texans Ring of Honor during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

TJ Watt on Thursday received a contract extension from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that left his brother JJ in awe of the amount.

TJ’s contract is for three years and $123 million, with $108 million guaranteed. The contract makes TJ the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history, surpassing the deal Myles Garrett received from the Cleveland Browns.

JJ reacted to the news of his brother’s contract with three words:

“Earned. Deserved. Incredible,” JJ wrote in a post on X.

Earned.
Deserved.
Incredible. @_TJWatt @steelers
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 17, 2025

After sharing his serious reaction, JJ then teased his brother.

“I swear, if this guy even lets me begin to reach for my wallet at dinner…,” JJ wrote, noting the difference in career earnings between them.

I swear, if this guy even lets me begin to reach for my wallet at dinner… https://t.co/R52TsWBgYP
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) July 17, 2025

JJ had career earnings of just under $130 million. TJ is set to make $123 million on this extension alone. He already has made nearly $111 million during his career, so you can add the two figures together and project his career earnings to be over $230 million.

TJ had 61 tackles and 11.5 sacks with 6 forced fumbles in 17 games last season. He has 108 sacks across eight NFL seasons, including the record-tying 22.5 sacks he had in 2021.