TJ Watt is #1 in your hearts but not #1 in 2019 Defensive Player of the Year voting. That honor goes to New England Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore, according to this tweet sent out by the league. The award will officially be announced tonight during the NFL Honor ceremony.
At the time of writing this post, it’s unknown how the voting behind Gilmore went. We’ll update this post when that information becomes available.
Watt had one of the best seasons ever by a Steelers’ edge rusher, finishing with 36 QB hits, 14.5 sacks, 14 TFL, a league-leading 8 FFs, 7 PDs, and two interceptions. All while playing roughly 90% of the team’s defensive snaps.
Gilmore, to be fair, had a tremendous season and is considered one of the game’s lockdown corners. The fact his Patriots made the playoffs while the Steelers stayed at home was likely a factor.
Arizona’s Chandler Jones, Los Angeles’ Aaron Donald, and Tampa Bay’s Shaq Barrett were also in the running for the award.
UPDATE: Here is the award voting. Watt finished third, trailing Gilmore and Jones.
