It Took T.J. Watt Nine Years To Meet A Pittsburgh Steelers Legend
T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ dominant defensive display against the Indianapolis Colts clearly made Dick LeBeau proud. This event also marked their first meeting in person.
LeBeau returned to Pittsburgh to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Super Bowl XL-winning team, where he and Watt finally introduced themselves.
“It took nine years, but I’m glad,” Watt shared in a weekly interview with WMBS’ George Von Benko. “I mean, obviously he’s a busy guy, but to be able to meet the legend himself was very surreal.”
LeBeau was one of several Steelers legends attending Week 10’s game and received recognition on the field at halftime. Other notable Pittsburgh figures present included quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Jerome Bettis, and defensive lineman Aaron Smith.
As a coach and player, LeBeau and Watt never overlapped in Pittsburgh. LeBeau’s final season with the Steelers was in 2014, while Watt entered the NFL in 2017. That same year, LeBeau served as the Tennessee Titans’ defensive coordinator. When Pittsburgh played Tennessee in 2017, Watt recorded two tackles in a 40-17 win, but the two did not connect after the game.
“Anytime those guys come back, it’s awesome,” Watt said. “And to be able to be recognized for their Super Bowl is awesome. To just see all those guys back in town and see how tight-knit they are.”
Watt’s meeting with LeBeau symbolizes the respect between Steelers generations and the ongoing legacy within the franchise.