T.J. Watt Takes Full Responsibility After Harsh Criticism from LeSean McCoy

Pittsburgh, PA – October 18, 2025

After the Steelers’ heartbreaking 31–33 loss to the Bengals, T.J. Watt stood before reporters and did something few stars of his caliber ever do — he took full accountability.

Earlier that day, former NFL running back LeSean McCoy had blasted Watt on national television, questioning his impact and intensity. “In the fourth quarter, I made a call to the police,”

McCoy joked. “Has anybody found T.J.? Did he play today? You’ve got a 40-year-old quarterback in the backfield who can’t move, and I saw no pressure.”

Rather than fire back, Watt faced the criticism head-on. The

three-time Defensive Player of the Year admitted the defense had failed to meet expectations — and placed the blame squarely on himself.

“This one’s on me. Every missed tackle, every blown coverage — I take full responsibility,”

Watt said. “We pride ourselves on being the best defense in football, but tonight, we didn’t play to that standard, and that starts with me. No excuses. No pointing fingers. I’ve got to lead better, communicate better, and set the tone. I know what this city expects from us — and I promise, we’ll come back stronger.”

Watt’s accountability resonated deeply across Steelers Nation, especially after a game where the defense surrendered 470 total yards and failed to pressure veteran Joe Flacco in key moments.

While critics continue to question whether the

Steelers’ defense has lost its edge, Watt’s response — humble, direct, and full of leadership — reminded fans why he remains the heart and soul of Pittsburgh football.

San Francisco Inform $120M Superstar He Is Being Traded — Agents Now Exploring Next Team Options

San Francisco, CA — In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers have reportedly informed wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk that he will be traded, sources confirmed to

ESPN and The Athletic late Monday night.

The decision comes after weeks of internal tension surrounding Aiyuk’s status, capped by his recent social media purge, where he unfollowed the 49ers and removed all team-related content from his accounts. According to insiders, the move “wasn’t impulsive” — it reflected Aiyuk’s growing frustration over his situation and recovery process.

Aiyuk, a former first-round pick (No. 25 overall, 2020) — acquired through a trade with the Vikings — had long been viewed as a franchise cornerstone in San Francisco. His combination of

elite route-running, 4.50 speed, and deep-route efficiency (17.9 yards per catch in 2023) made him one of the most explosive wideouts in the league.

𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: Brandon Aiyuk removed all 49ers’ references from his social media and hasn’t been seen at practice in weeks, according to
@jenniferleechan

“The return of Aiyuk would provide another play-maker to the offense, but the possibility of that happening this season is… pic.twitter.com/5z4Ijxehqp — JPA (@jasrifootball) October 13, 2025

In August 2024, the 49ers doubled down on that belief, signing Aiyuk to a

four-year, $120 million extension through 2028, including $76 million guaranteed. His 2025 cap hit sits at $14.5 million, but the team now appears ready to move on.

According to team sources, San Francisco’s front office has

notified Aiyuk’s representatives to begin exploring trade possibilities. Multiple AFC contenders — including the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans — have reportedly expressed interest.

The decision was influenced by a series of events over recent weeks. Aiyuk has yet to play this season due to complications from his

knee injury sustained in 2024, and GM John Lynch publicly admitted last month that the star wideout was “not close” to returning.

Internally, frustration grew over Aiyuk’s communication and media silence, while the player’s camp believed the team was

“downplaying his readiness” to protect long-term cap flexibility. His social media activity was seen by many within the organization as a “final message.”

Despite the off-field noise, Aiyuk’s talent remains unquestionable. His ability to

create separation, thrive in yards after catch, and dominate in red-zone opportunities makes him one of the NFL’s most complete receivers when healthy.

Trading him, however, marks a seismic shift for San Francisco — a team already reeling from the loss of

Nick Bosa and Fred Warner due to injuries. For a franchise built on continuity and discipline, parting ways with a player of Aiyuk’s caliber is both a statement and a risk.

As his agent explores trade destinations, one thing is clear: Brandon Aiyuk’s time in San Francisco is over, and the next chapter for the $120 million star could reshape the balance of power across the league.