T.J. Watt hospitalized with collapsed lung
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is facing a significant health challenge after being hospitalized with a partially collapsed lung that required surgical intervention. The news sent ripples through the NFL community, prompting an unexpected gesture of support from rival Myles Garrett, the star pass rusher for the Cleveland Browns.
Myles Garrett reaches out
In an act that transcends the fierce rivalry between their respective teams, Garrett took the initiative to check on Watt’s well-being. “I reached out to him. I don’t have his number or anything, but I reached out to him to see if he’s all right,” Garrett shared. His words reveal a mutual respect that often gets overshadowed by the competitive nature of their sport.
Garrett’s sentiments highlight a critical point: “At the end of the day, our teams may be rivals and they might create a rivalry between us, but he’s not my enemy. I’m hoping for the best for him and his health and hopefully he comes back soon.” This perspective underscores the camaraderie that can exist even among fierce competitors.
A rivalry put on hold
Watt and Garrett, both selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, have frequently been compared to one another, with their paths often intertwined through their performances on the field. As the rivalry has intensified over the years, so too has the mutual recognition of each player’s talents. However, in light of Watt’s health scare, their competitive rivalry has momentarily taken a backseat to a genuine concern for one another’s well-being.
As Watt navigates this difficult period, the support from Garrett serves as a reminder that, beneath the helmets and uniforms, players are individuals who share a profound connection through the game they love.
