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 undoubtedly made Dick LeBeau proud. The game also marked their first meeting in person.
LeBeau returned to Pittsburgh to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Super Bowl XL-winning team, finally allowing the two to introduce themselves.
“This took nine years, but I’m glad,” Watt said 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 many Steelers legends attending Week 10’s game and was honored on the field during halftime. Other notable attendees included quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, running back Jerome Bettis, and defensive lineman Aaron Smith.
As a coach and player, LeBeau and Watt had careers that did not overlap. LeBeau’s final season in Pittsburgh was 2014, while Watt entered the NFL in 2017.
LeBeau’s last year coaching was in 2017 with the Tennessee Titans as their defensive coordinator. Although Pittsburgh and Tennessee played that season, and Watt recorded two tackles in a 40-17 Steelers victory, 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.”
Author’s Summary
T.J. Watt finally met Steelers legend Dick LeBeau after nearly a decade, celebrating the strong bond and legacy of the team’s champions.