The Pittsburgh Steelers and T.J. Watt were on a bye week in Week 5 following their 24–21 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin. But for the Steelers’ defensive linebacker, the week off hasn’t been about rest as much as it has been about spending time with his family.
Watt has been soaking up every moment with his wife, Dani, and their daughter, Blakely Marie Watt, whom the couple welcomed earlier this year in March.
How Did T.J. Watt Spend His Steelers’ Bye Week?
Dani posted a heartwarming update on her Instagram story, showing T.J. and Blakely enjoying some quiet time outdoors. The photo showed Watt crouched beside a small farm fence with Blakely as they looked at a goat on the farm.
Dani captioned the moment with a short and sweet message: “Bye week blues.” It caught the family’s relaxed countryside vibe as the Steelers linebacker took a much-needed weekend off from football.
It’s extra special for the family, as behind the happy moments is an emotional and inspiring story. The couple have previously opened up about the heart-stopping experience surrounding the birth of their daughter, which almost turned tragic.
Dani had to undergo an emergency C-section after doctors noticed Blakely’s heart rate drop dangerously low during labor. “We went through hell and back in a few hours,” Dani recalled in an interview with Graham Bensinger. “But it brought us closer, and we fell in love all over again.”
Watt admitted the tense moments in the hospital were unlike anything he’d ever faced on a football field. “To see Dani go through that pain and suffering for our family is the most selfless thing,” he said. “It gave us the best thing that’s ever happened to us — Blakely”.
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Thankfully, both the mother and baby came through safely, and the experience has only deepened the couple’s bond. Since then, their social media has reflected that gratitude.
Watt will soon be in Pittsburgh for Sunday Night Football against Micah Parsons’ Green Bay Packers. He returns to a Steelers defense still searching for its full identity. Through four games, the unit ranks 25th in PFSN’s NFL Defensive rankings Impact with a D+ rating — a surprisingly low mark for a group led by a former Defensive Player of the Year.
The Steelers began the season with a rough start, surrendering 30+ points to both the New York Jets and Seattle Seahawks. They have since bounced back with 21-14 and 24-21 wins over the Patriots and Vikings, sitting 3-1 and atop the AFC North.