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Todd Monken Called for Steelers Stars to Retire

Browns head coach Todd Monken expressed a desire for T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward to step away from the NFL.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Football

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Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken suggested that Pittsburgh Steelers veterans T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward should consider retiring from the NFL. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken publicly shared his wish for Pittsburgh Steelers defensive stars T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward to retire. Monken described both players as elite talents who remain exceptionally difficult to coach against.

Why it matters

Monken made the remarks while preparing his team to face the Steelers, highlighting the defensive challenges posed by long-standing veterans. His comments reflect the strategic difficulty coaches face when devising game plans against established playmakers.

T.J. Watt has already recorded 3.5 sacks and one touchdown-scoring interception through the first three games of the 2026 season. Watt, who recorded seven sacks in 2025, is set to turn 32 years old in a few weeks.

The players

Todd Monken

He is the current head coach of the Cleveland Browns and formerly served as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.

T.J. Watt

He is a prominent defensive player for the Pittsburgh Steelers known for his significant sack production.

Cam Heyward

He is a veteran defensive leader for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is recognized as an elite player.

Tytus Howard

He is an offensive tackle who was acquired by the Cleveland Browns via trade during the 2026 offseason.

The details

Monken, who previously coached against these players as the Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator, made the comments during a YouTube channel appearance. The Browns currently rely on offensive tackle Tytus Howard, acquired via trade this offseason, to neutralize top pass rushers despite Howard playing through an injury.

Timeline

  1. Monken served as the Browns offensive coordinator in 2019.

  2. Monken served as the Ravens offensive coordinator from 2023 to 2025.

  3. T.J. Watt recorded seven sacks during the 2025 season.

  4. Monken made the retirement comments on Tuesday.

  5. The Browns play the Steelers this Thursday night.

Season Trajectory

These comments underscore the psychological warfare inherent in the AFC North, where high-level coaching preparation often dictates divisional standing. The outcome of the upcoming game will significantly impact the early-season playoff positioning for both the Browns and the Steelers.

The availability of Tytus Howard while managing an injury remains a critical factor for the Browns' offensive line stability against the Steelers' pass rush. Fantasy managers should note Watt's high early-season production, including his interception and 3.5 sacks, as he prepares for Thursday.

The takeaway

The competitive intensity of NFL rivalries often prompts coaches to acknowledge the exceptional skill of their opponents in unconventional ways. These interactions highlight the deep respect existing between rival teams even as they prepare for physical matchups.

Further reading

For more news on the team, visit the Football section.

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