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Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive player T.J. Watt is being called out for attempting what many NFL fans believe was a “gator roll” move on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s ankle during Pittsburgh’s Week 13 win over their AFC North rivals.
In a video posted to social media, T.J. Watt — the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and one of the best defensive players of his generation — is seen strip-sacking Joe Burrow and then following through with what’s seemingly an intentional gator roll of his ankle.
The “gator roll” is widely considered to be a dirty move in contact sports and is actually illegal in some instances in the sport of rugby.
.@steelers @_TJWatt had a day; a day where the Steelers took control of the AFC North. #HereWeGo #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/9DKWPseUpi
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 2, 2024
“Yeah and gator rolls trying to intentionally snap Burrows leg. TJ is the dirtiest player in the NFL and certified piece of trash,” fumed another.
“Clearly trying to hurt another player and pretending like it’s nothing,” a third added.
One NFL fan noted that Watt has done this sort of thing before with players such as Ronnie Stanley, Zay Flowers, and Lamar Jackson.
“Again more prove T.J Watt is a dirty player, not the first time he tried to end players career (Ronnie Stanley, Zay Flowers, Lamar) now Burrow who is next?” read one reply to the video.
Gotta love a good gator roll. Trying to rip burrows lower leg off. Hopefully Watts ACL will fall off in soon or in the playoffs. https://t.co/lme6hatZbS
— Ant (@LilForskin) December 2, 2024
In the win over the Bengals, which improved the Steelers’ record to 9-3 Watt had 3 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble.
Burrow, a bright spot amidst a disappointing season for Cincy, completed 73.7% of his passes for 309 yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception in the loss to the Steelers, likely ending any hopes they had of sneaking into the AFC Playoffs via a Wild Card berth.
Next up for the Steelers will a home matchup against the Cleveland Browns on December 8, while the Bengals will be traveling to Dallas for Monday Night Football on December 9.