TJ Watt, a key player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was seen on video expressing his frustration during the team’s Week 4 loss to the Cleveland Browns. His actions seemed to target Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, as Watt grabbed a sideline headset and reportedly directed a forceful message toward Graham.

Some might perceive Watt’s behavior as disrespectful to Graham, but former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger believes Watt has earned the right to openly critique the defensive strategy. Roethlisberger shared his thoughts on the incident in an episode of his podcast, “Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger.” He highlighted that Watt’s actions carry weight because they’re unusual for him.

“If TJ grabs that headset, something significant is occurring,” Roethlisberger observed. “He doesn’t do this every week, so when it happens, it draws attention. He’s a leader and a captain, at least he should be. Watt’s performance on the field makes him a standout for this team.”

Regardless of opinions on Watt’s justification, his status within the team allows him to express his views without backlash from past Steelers legends like Roethlisberger. As the team moves forward, Watt and the Steelers defense plan to recover from their recent defeat. They aim to perform better when they host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, who enter the game strong after consecutive victories against the Houston Texans and Washington Commanders.