T.J. Watt Named Steelers Emergency Long Snapper

Pittsburgh defensive star T.J. Watt is the designated backup for the long snapper position.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Football

T.J. Watt Named Steelers Emergency Long Snapper

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Steelers defensive leader Cameron Heyward revealed on his podcast that T.J. Watt serves as the team's emergency long snapper. Watt has practiced the niche role to ensure depth for the Pittsburgh special teams unit.

Why it matters

The team maintains a prepared backup option at the critical position to avoid on-field disasters should the starter suffer an unexpected in-game injury. This proactive approach follows prior challenges the organization has faced regarding specialized roster depth.

Defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton recently stepped into emergency long snapper duties for the Jaguars, weighing in at 335 pounds. This mirrors the high-stakes need for depth seen in the league, such as the 57-yard game-winning field goal recently secured in Jacksonville.

The players

Cameron Heyward

Cameron Heyward is a veteran defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers who frequently hosts his own media production.

T.J. Watt

T.J. Watt is an elite edge rusher and a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense who has been named to multiple Pro Bowls.

Mike Tomlin

Mike Tomlin is the long-tenured head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers who oversees all roster and personnel decisions.

DaVon Hamilton

DaVon Hamilton is an NFL defensive tackle who has demonstrated versatility by performing emergency special teams tasks.

The details

Cameron Heyward disclosed the assignment on his Not Just Football podcast, noting that Watt has taken reps to prepare for the unlikely event he is needed. The organization remains focused on positional readiness after previously managing injuries to specialists like Christian Kuntz in 2022.

In 2008, James Harrison served as an emergency long snapper against the New York Giants.
In 2022, Christian Kuntz dealt with an injury while serving as the long snapper.
In 2023, Mike Tomlin stated the team was searching for long snapper candidates.
In October 2026, the Jaguars defeated the Giants 19-17.

Season Trajectory

This move highlights the extreme depth management required to navigate a full season without critical roster gaps. It positions the Steelers to maintain special teams stability even if the primary long snapper faces a sudden in-game exit.

Fans should note that T.J. Watt has not taken any special teams snaps during the 2026 season, keeping his primary focus on the defensive front. The arrangement serves as a contingency plan rather than a shift in his primary rotation.

The takeaway

Having a high-profile star prepare for niche roles highlights the importance of versatile roster planning in the modern NFL. Teams prioritize these contingency plans to prevent sudden personnel injuries from derailing critical field goal or punting opportunities.