T.J. Watt hit the defensive trifecta in 2020, leading all NFL players in sacks, quarterback hits and tackles for a loss.
It wasn’t good enough, however, for Watt to win the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
The fourth-year Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker was edged by former Penn Hills and Pitt star Aaron Donald, who won the award Saturday night at the NFL Honors ceremony in Tampa, Fla.
Donald collected 27 of a possible 50 votes. Watt received 20 votes, and Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard got the other three.
It was the second year in a row Watt came up short for the honor. In 2019, he finished third in voting behind winner Stephon Gilmore and runner-up Chandler Jones.
Watt led the NFL with a career-high 15 sacks. He also had league-highs with 41 quarterback hits and 23 tackles for loss. He was named a first-team All-Pro selection for the second year in a row, and he earned Pro Bowl honors for the third consecutive season.
Donald, who previously won the award after the 2017-18 seasons, had 13 1/2 sacks, 28 quarterback hits and 14 tackles for loss.
Watt’s brother, J.J., is a three-time winner of the award, claiming it in 2012, ‘14 and ‘15.
Six Steelers players have won the AP award, beginning with Joe Greene in 1972. He repeated in 1974. Others to win it were Mel Blount (‘75), Jack Lambert (‘76), Rod Woodson (‘93), James Harrison (2008) and Troy Polamalu (‘10).
