Even though the glitz of the NFL Honors Awards was over nearly two months ago, the esteemed 101 Awards quietly took center stage on Friday.

The event has been honoring football excellence since 1969. Esteemed as the oldest awards ceremony dedicated to American football, the 101 Awards hold a special place in the heart of the sport’s history.

This year, something different happened. It’s pretty common to hear praise from your fans or teammates. But to hear praises coming from an opponent team is rare. And Patrick Mahomes may not have won the “Offensive Player of the Year Award”, but he’s won the praise of someone else.

TJ Watt showers praise on Patrick Mahomes

After Steelers’ LB received his “Defensive Player of the Year Award”, he was asked about the Super Bowl MVP, Patrick Mahomes. Watt was generous with his compliments. “It’s “What doesn’t he do?” is the better question. He does it all. He does what is required of him.” According to him, Mahomes’ defining quality is his adaptability.

There is no one strategy that would work at all times against him. “It’s not like you prepare for one thing. Keep him in the pocket this week and you’ve won the game.” Per the LB, Mahomes always optimises his playing style. A bit later, he had also given another nod to Mahomes. “And anytime at these award shows, I leave more motivated when I came, and that’s just because I’m surrounded with greatness.”

However, this saga of praises was not one-sided. The star QB also said something about Watt and his family.

Mahomes scared of the Watt family

At the 101 Awards held in Kansas City, local NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes took the stage. Amidst his speech, he lightened the mood with a playful confession about the formidable Watt brothers, TJ and JJ Watt. Mahomes quipped, “I try to stay as far away from that family as possible… And like Rashee (Rice) said, we’re not satisfied and as long as we stay away from T.J. (Watt) and some of those other guys, we’re gonna try to keep this thing rolling.” The audience shared a laugh, appreciating Mahomes’s blend of humor and respect for the Watt family’s prowess on the field.

During the ceremony, TJ Watt was celebrated as the AFC Defensive Player of the Year, an accolade he’s familiar with, having secured it in 2020 and 2021 as well. Although this marked his third win, he still trails behind his brother JJ Watt in total awards.

Watt’s season was nothing short of spectacular, with a stat line that included 48 solo tackles (19 of which were for a loss), 20 assists, 19 sacks, three fumble recoveries, 36 hits on quarterbacks, and an interception over 17 games. His performance not only cemented his reputation as a defensive powerhouse but also left an indelible mark on the season.

Could he match his brother’s record next year?