Watt Meets LeBeau: 9-Year Wait Ends

A Historic Handshake: T.J. Watt Finally Meets Steelers Legend Dick LeBeau

In a moment that transcended generations of Pittsburgh Steelers football, star defender T.J. Watt finally met the iconic defensive architect Dick LeBeau after nine years in the NFL. The surreal encounter occurred during the team's Week 10 celebration honoring the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Super Bowl XL championship team.

"It’s crazy. It took nine years, but I’m glad," Watt shared in an interview with WMBS' George Von Benko. "Obviously he’s a busy guy, but to be able to meet the legend himself was very surreal."

A Tale of Timelines: Why the Wait?

The delayed introduction stemmed from a simple timeline gap. LeBeau served as the Steelers' defensive coordinator through the 2014 season, departing for Tennessee after that campaign. Watt, meanwhile, wasn't drafted by Pittsburgh until 2017. While their paths crossed briefly during a Steelers-Titans game in 2014 (Watt recorded two tackles), the two never formally met.

"As coach and player, LeBeau and Watt missed each other by several seasons," noted reports from the event. Even after LeBeau returned to Pittsburgh for various alumni events over the years, schedules never aligned for a proper introduction until the Super Bowl XL reunion.

More Than a Meeting: Honoring Steelers Culture

For Watt, the meeting represented a connection to the very foundation of Steelers football. LeBeau, a Hall of Famer both as a player (62 career interceptions) and coach ("The Godfather of the Fire Zone"), embodied the defensive excellence and culture Watt now leads.

"Anytime those guys come back, it’s awesome," Watt reflected. "But more than anything, just know that those guys are the ones that instill that Steelers’ culture. They carried it on even from the 70s all the way up to 2000s. So that’s something that we wanna continue to do and play Steelers’ football."

LeBeau's 2005 defense was legendary – ranking 3rd in scoring, 4th in yards, and 1st against the run. During their playoff run, they allowed just 11.9 points per game, stifling high-powered offenses like the Colts and Seahawks. Watt sees this legacy as a benchmark.

A Legacy Continues

Watt himself is cementing a legacy worthy of Canton. In his nine seasons, he has become the Steelers' all-time sack leader, earned seven Pro Bowls, four All-Pro selections, and a Defensive Player of the Year award. It's widely anticipated he will follow LeBeau into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The meeting, held during a Steelers tribute that also welcomed legends like Ben Roethlisberger, Jerome Bettis, and Aaron Smith, was symbolic.

"And I think last week was more of a reflection of that," Watt concluded, referencing the team's swarming defensive performance against the Indianapolis Colts that very day. "It was just awesome to see all those guys back in town and see how tight-knit they are."

While the handshake was nine years in the making, its impact resonates as Watt and the current Steelers squad strive to bring another Lombardi Trophy back to Pittsburgh, honoring the traditions set by legends like Dick LeBeau.