Analyst Says Mike Tomlin Sends Major Message as T.J. Watt Lands on the Hot Seat for 2025

 

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to drama, but this offseason may mark a new chapter in how head coach Mike Tomlin handles internal expectations. According to NFL analyst Jordan Bradley, Tomlin has sent a “massive message” to defensive star T.J. Watt, signaling that the 2025 season could be a turning point — or a tipping point — for the perennial Pro Bowler.

 

Watt, who has been the heart of the Steelers’ defense for several seasons, is now entering his ninth year in the NFL. While his resume includes a Defensive Player of the Year award and multiple double-digit sack seasons, analysts are beginning to wonder whether the wear and tear is starting to show. For the first time in years, Tomlin’s tone around Watt has shifted — and insiders believe it’s deliberate.

 

“Tomlin doesn’t call guys out publicly unless there’s a purpose,” Bradley said during a recent segment on NFL Focus Live. “And when he challenges a team captain like T.J. Watt, that’s not casual. That’s calculated. The message is clear: Step up or step aside.”

 

The “message” refers to comments made by Tomlin during OTA interviews and early minicamp pressers. While the coach praised Watt’s leadership and past performance, he stopped short of the glowing endorsements Steelers fans are used to hearing.

 

“We need everyone to be at their best, especially our leaders,” Tomlin said in late June. “Nobody gets a pass. Production matters, and consistency matters even more.”

 

Though Tomlin didn’t name Watt directly, many analysts believe his remarks were intended to spark a response from the veteran linebacker. Watt, who missed games in two of the last three seasons due to injuries, still posted strong numbers — but his impact was arguably diminished when compared to his 2021 Defensive Player of the Year campaign.

 

With the Steelers’ defense undergoing a youth movement and rising stars like Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith gaining traction, some are questioning how long Watt can maintain his elite status in Pittsburgh. The franchise is also facing tough cap decisions in 2026, making every performance in 2025 count more than ever.

 

Bradley emphasized that this isn’t a sign of disrespect, but a test — one that Tomlin expects Watt to pass.

 

“T.J. Watt is still one of the most feared defenders in football. But Tomlin is a motivator. He’s lighting a fire now so he doesn’t have to put it out later in the season,” he said.

 

Steelers fans know that Tomlin thrives in adversity and rarely makes rash decisions. But his strategic approach to leadership has often included unspoken challenges to his top performers. If Watt responds with a vintage season in 2025, the move will be seen as another Tomlin masterclass. If not, the Steelers could be forced to confront a reality they haven’t faced in nearly a decade: a future without T.J. Watt leading the defense.