T.J. Watt Fined for Late Hit, Undergoes Surgery After Scary Medical Incident
The Pittsburgh Steelers may have walked away with a hard-fought win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, but one of their biggest stars is now facing challenges that go far beyond the football field.
Star outside linebacker T.J. Watt was fined $11,593 by the NFL for a late hit during the game - a moment that didn’t draw a flag on the field but caught the league’s eye afterward.
The play came on a short two-yard run by Ravens running back Derrick Henry, where Watt jumped on top of the pile at the end of the play. It wasn’t egregious, but the league clearly saw enough to hand down a fine.
Watt was the only Steeler penalized financially from that game.
But the fine is quickly becoming a footnote in a much larger story.
Watt suffered a partially collapsed lung following a dry needling treatment session on Wednesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex - a surprising and serious development that was first shared by his brother, J.J. Watt, on social media.
The incident occurred during what is typically a routine therapy session designed to address pain and improve mobility. Dry needling, which involves inserting thin needles into muscle tissue, is commonly used by physical therapists, but in this case, it led to a highly unusual and dangerous complication.
The good news: Watt underwent surgery to stabilize and repair the lung, and according to his family, the procedure was successful.
His wife, Dani Watt, also offered an update via Instagram, writing:
“Yesterday TJ completed successful surgery to stabilize and repair a partially collapsed lung suffered early Wednesday after a dry needling treatment session at the facility.
It has been a very long hard couple of days but he will be home soon to recover. Thank you all for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers, and support the past couple of days.
And praise God for the amazing medical teams at both hospitals!”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed on Friday that Watt has been released from the hospital and is now resting at home. He won’t suit up for Pittsburgh’s Monday Night Football matchup against the Miami Dolphins, but the team expects him to return at some point this season.
For the Steelers, Watt’s absence is more than just a personnel issue - it’s a leadership void. He’s the heartbeat of this defense, the kind of player who not only racks up sacks but sets the tone with his relentless motor and football IQ. His presence on the field forces offenses to adjust on every snap.
While the team will have to make do without him this week, the focus now shifts to his recovery. The Steelers - and the entire football community - will be hoping for a smooth and speedy return for one of the league’s premier defenders.