T.J. Watt just trying to follow brother J.J. Watt’s advice during his first Steelers training camp

When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected T.J. Watt in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the T.J and J.J. Watt comparisons would likely be enough to drive the average football fan nuts. However, I’m sure these comparisons have followed T.J. his entire career as he has followed in his brother’s footsteps every step along the way.

Both attended Wisconsin, started their collegiate careers as tight ends, only to be transitioned to the defensive side of the football. J.J. Watt went on to be the best defender in the NFL with the Houston Texans, and T.J. Watt is just starting his NFL career in the Steel City, but that doesn’t mean J.J. didn’t have some great advice for his younger brother.

“Shut up and be a sponge.”

While a lot of rookies enter their first NFL training camp with something to prove, and a large chip on their shoulder, Watt seems to be as humble as a first round draft pick can be. Then again, look who is ahead of him on the depth chart. One would be foolish not to learn as much as humanly possible from the all-time Steelers sack leader, James Harrison.

Watt will likely be doing just that throughout the month they are at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, and also throughout the entire year as he and Harrison attend meetings and work together to try and bring another title back to the city of Pittsburgh.

As humble as Watt is, he will likely be a large part of the defense in his first professional season. Harrison is phenomenal, but is still 39-years-old. If the Steelers want to keep him fresh, they will utilize Watt in specific situations, and sub packages, to keep plenty of tread on Harrison’s tires for the hopeful stretch run in the AFC Playoffs.

Until then, Watt will likely be following his brother’s orders...

“Shut up and be a sponge.”