Rooney Family Member SLAMS T.J. Watt Extension | Steelers News & Contract Drama 2025
Steelers Drama: Rooney Family Member Publicly Opposes T.J. Watt Contract Extension!
In a shocking development, Patrick Rooney Jr., grandson of Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr., has stirred controversy by opposing a potential T.J. Watt contract extension—claiming on a gambling podcast that paying Watt would be “insane.”
Despite having no official role with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rooney Jr.’s opinion carries weight due to his family ties. He questioned the wisdom of investing $40 million/year in a 31-year-old edge rusher, especially with the team trying to stay financially flexible following high-profile offseason moves, including the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers and Jonnu Smith.
Although the podcast episode was deleted, media outlets picked up and shared the quotes—fueling a growing debate in Steelers Nation. T.J. Watt, one of the NFL’s most dominant defenders, is entering the final year of his deal and seeks a salary on par with stars like Myles Garrett.
How will this unexpected Rooney family friction affect the Steelers’ locker room and contract talks? Will the team extend Watt, or is this the start of a surprising exit?
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T.J. Watt Contract, Steelers Rumors, Rooney Family Steelers, Patrick Rooney Jr, T.J. Watt Extension, Pittsburgh Steelers 2025, NFL Rumors 2025, Steelers Breaking News, T.J. Watt vs Myles Garrett, NFL Contract Talks, Aaron Rodgers Steelers, Steelers Training Camp, Art Rooney Family, T.J. Watt Salary, NFL Drama 2025
A surprising twist has emerged in the Pittsburgh Steelers off seasonason as a member of the legendary Rooney family has publicly opposed a potential contract extension for star linebacker TJ Watt. Patrick Rooney Jr., grandson of Steelers founder Art Rooney Senior and cousin to team president Art Rooney II, recently voiced strong disapproval of resigning Watt on a gambling podcast for Palm Beach Kennel Club. Although he holds no formal role within the organization, his comments have sparked widespread attention. Rooney Jr. stated it would be insane to pay him anything right now, referring to Watt’s reported desire for a contract extension that could reach up to $40 million per season. He questioned the logic of investing heavily in a 31-year-old edge rusher, suggesting that such a move might jeopardize the team’s financial flexibility, especially as the Steelers aim for a Super Bowl run after bold offseason moves like acquiring Aaron Rodgers. The podcast episode was later removed, but media outlets had already captured and circulated Rooney’s remarks. Watt, entering the final year of his current contract, remains one of the NFL’s top defensive players and is seeking a deal in line with other elite defenders like Miles Garrett. While Rooney Jr.’s opinion isn’t official, his family connection makes the criticism notable and adds pressure to an already tense contract situation. As training camp approaches, the Steelers must navigate internal expectations, public scrutiny, and salary cap constraints to decide Watt’s future in Pittsburgh.
