T.J. Watt Explains June Minicamp Absence Was Because of Someone: “I’m Not the One Who Cares About Practice.”

When T.J. Watt skipped Steelers minicamp in June, it sparked a wave of speculation. Was it contract-related? Was there tension behind the scenes? A cryptic photo posted to social media—Watt standing with his back to the camera, face hidden—only fueled the fire.

Now, the All-Pro linebacker has broken his silence.

“I’m not the one who cares about practice,” Watt said with a slight smirk.
“My wife had something personal come up, and for me, family comes first—always.”

The explanation wasn’t dramatic. In fact, it was grounded, honest, and quietly powerful. Watt made it clear he had already communicated his absence to the team ahead of time—and Coach Tomlin supported it. There were no fines, no fallout, and no message being sent through that mysterious offseason photo.

“I didn’t think it was cryptic,” Watt added, referring to the image. “I just thought it was a cool picture.”

But for fans used to decoding every post during contract seasons, it was enough to stir rumors. Many wondered if Watt’s long-term future in Pittsburgh was uncertain. As it turns out, the moment had nothing to do with football—and everything to do with real life.

Inside the Steelers locker room, sources say Watt remains locked in, fully engaged, and has not missed a beat during training camp so far. Teammates have praised his leadership and commitment, especially after signing a record-breaking extension just weeks ago.

Watt’s comments offer a rare reminder that even the NFL’s fiercest defenders are still human. For all the pressures of performance, legacy, and expectation, some things remain bigger than football.

And for T.J. Watt, that priority is clear: family isn’t a distraction—it’s the foundation.