T.J. Watt Calls Out Rookie WR for Sneaking Off to Party After Preseason Win Over Jaguars

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers’ preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars ended with a win on the scoreboard, but for one rookie, the real aftermath wasn’t about football — it was about a lesson in what it means to be a professional in Pittsburgh.

According to team sources, a first-year wide receiver decided to celebrate the 31–25 victory with a late-night party away from the team’s planned recovery schedule. While the rest of the roster stuck to the routine — team dinner, treatment, and rest — the rookie slipped away to join friends and postgame nightlife.

Word didn’t take long to get around. And by the time the team reconvened the next morning, T.J. Watt had already made up his mind to address it. The All-Pro linebacker, known for setting the tone in the Steelers’ locker room, pulled the young receiver aside in front of several teammates and made his point crystal clear: in Pittsburgh, discipline comes before celebration.

Ke’Shawn Williams, an undrafted wideout who split his college career between Wake Forest and Indiana. In 59 games (11 starts), Williams amassed 2,640 all-purpose yards, including 1,833 receiving yards. His final season at Indiana saw him haul in 39 receptions for 448 yards and 5 touchdowns, showing the kind of playmaking ability that earned him a camp invite with the Steelers.

For a player still fighting for a roster spot, Watt’s message wasn’t just about curfews — it was about priorities. Sources say the exchange was direct but measured, with Watt emphasizing that every day in the NFL is a job interview, and every choice sends a message to coaches and teammates.

“We’re building something here, and you can’t build if you’re already halfway out the door,” Watt reportedly told the rookie. “Wins in August don’t mean you’ve arrived — they mean you’ve got more work to do.”

The incident has already sparked conversations within the locker room about accountability and the responsibility of representing the Steelers logo on and off the field. For Williams, it’s a moment that could either become a minor footnote in his career — or a turning point that defines how seriously he’s taken moving forward.

Mike Tomlin declined to comment on the specifics, but reiterated his usual stance on team culture during Sunday’s media availability: “The standard is the standard. We take care of business first. Everything else comes after.”

As Pittsburgh prepares for its next preseason matchup, all eyes will be on how this rookie responds — and whether he’s absorbed the lesson from one of the franchise’s most respected voices.