"There's definitely an aura": 7x Pro Bowler T.J. Watt makes feelings clear about Russell Wilson as Steelers gear up for playoffs

The Russell Wilson-led Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for their playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhile, T.J. Watt is taking inspiration from the veteran QB's experience as a Super Bowl champion to give his best on the field.

Speaking via Steelers on SI, he elaborated on the intangible qualities that separate Super Bowl champions from Super Bowl contenders.

"There’s a big difference between guys that come back that are Super Bowl champions and guys that aren’t," Watt said. "That’s not a slight at the guys that aren’t. I’m one of those guys right now. But there’s definitely an aura and a sense to a guy that has won a Super Bowl."

For Watt, that "aura" goes beyond admiration. The LB has spent his career chasing what Wilson achieved early. Therefore, the defensive star is all in on creating his own championship legacy in team history after seven winless playoff years.

"It’s my story," he added. "Since I’ve been here, I haven’t won a playoff game. I’ve been saying it this whole season. You guys know how important this is to me."

The Steelers’ last Super Bowl victory was in 2009, under head coach Mike Tomlin. For Watt, this playoff run is a chance to be a part of that aura he admires in Russell Wilson.

Steelers LB T.J. Watt understands the unsaid camaraderie of Super Bowl-winning squads

Watt badly wants to be a part of the Super Bowl-winning team to understand what it is like to be in the close-knit group of guys who have already lifted the Lombardi Trophy.

"There’s a togetherness....when they come back for those alumni weekends, they hang out and they bond and they talk about their successes on and off the field and that Super Bowl run," he said.

It's about the special bond that forms between teammates which lasts long after the game is over.

Shifting gears, for him, the struggle is as much about rewriting his story as it is about helping the Steelers to a championship win. Missing last season’s playoffs was a blow, but Watt insists that’s not his driving force.

"You can't add juice. You really can't. If you can't get up for this game, I don't know what you're doing," he concluded.

It has always been near-misses for T.J. Watt.

The 2017 AFC Divisional Round against the Jacksonville Jaguars was his first time in the postseason. The rookie played his part but the Steelers fell short.

Three years later, Watt returned to the playoffs, however, a 48–37 loss against the the Cleveland Browns eliminated the Steelers.

His most recent postseason outing came in 2021 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Sadly, once again they were eliminated after a 42–21 loss.

At 29, he’s in the prime of his career. Thus, every missed opportunity creates that focus on what’s still left to achieve.