T.J. Watt just made history with his massive Pittsburgh Steelers contract extension. He earned $41 million per year for three years, with a guaranteed total of $108 million. This is the biggest non-quarterback contract ever. He's now the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. His older brother J.J. Watt had the perfect reaction to his brother's new contract.
"I swear, if this guy even lets me begin to reach for my wallet at dinner…" J.J. posted on X with a quote of the NFL on CBS post that shows a comparison between J.J.'s total career earnings and T.J.'s new one with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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
“Don’t even let me reach for my wallet”: JJ Watt reacts to TJ’s record-breaking deal
According to the graphic, J.J. earned a total of $129.7 million over the 12 years he played in the NFL. Which is still an awe-inspiring number, but it pales in comparison to T.J.'s new deal (on its own). T.J., with just the extension, is bringing in $123 million if he gets the full deal (incentives included). That's an incredible number and makes J.J.'s joke all the better.
His joke has created a viral reaction on social with over 5.5 million views (at the time of writing), but it wasn't his first post congratulating his brother. His first said three words: "Earned. Deserved. Incredible."
The Wisconsin fanbase loves the extension and this graphic, sharing both to show how coming to Wisconsin is a great way to develop and eventually get paid. T.J. Watt was actually coming to Wisconsin as a tight end, but the Badgers realized he would be a great outside linebacker and pass rusher. They moved him over, and the rest, as they say, is history. T.J. Watt is now the highest-paid defensive player ever. I think Wisconsin made the right decision.