The Watt brothers have always had a tight bond. So when the Pittsburgh Steelers sought to sign Derek to a contract, T.J. had to try and play it cool. The first-team All-Pro received a call from head coach Mike Tomlin saying the team would pursue his older brother, though Watt tried to stay reserved (via Brooke Pryor of ESPN).

“I didn't want to ruin the surprise or get his hopes up,” T.J. said in an interview with ESPN this week as part of his new partnership with Six Star Pro Nutrition. “I was trying to play both sides of the card.”

Derek and the Steelers eventually agreed to terms on a three-year, $9.75 million offer to bring the middle Watt brother to Pittsburgh.

The former Los Angeles Chargers fullback is more renowned for his work on special teams than in the backfield. Conversely, T.J. is pretty well-known among opposing quarterbacks.

Pittsburgh's standout edge-rusher finished the year with 14.5 sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, and 36 quarterback hits. He also led the NFL with eight forced fumbles. T.J. also proved capable in coverage; notching eight passes defended for the season.

The brothers are hoping to become the first Watt's to capture a Lombardi Trophy in 2020.

Pittsburgh had one of the best defenses in the NFL last season, ranking third in DVOA, per Football Outsiders. With Ben Roethlisberger returning under center, the Steelers look primed to challenge the Baltimore Ravens for the NFC North crown.

T.J. and Derek no longer have to hide their excitement. It is nearly time to go to war together.