JJ Watt Slams Pittsburgh Steelers For Leaking Sensitive Details About Aaron Rodgers

Former NFL player JJ Watt believes some things should remain behind closed doors. In a new post, Watt slammed the individual who leaked sensitive details about Aaron Rodgers' emotional breakdown after learning that Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was stepping down.

JJ Watt Comes To Aaron Rodgers' Defense, Slams Pittsburgh Steelers Locker Room For Spilling The Details

Feels like this moment could have stayed in the meeting room. https://t.co/9QsQroQFZE

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 15, 2026

Watt, the older brother of Steelers linebacker TJ Watt, expressed his displeasure with leaks from the Pittsburgh locker room after details of Rodgers' reported emotional reaction to Tomlin's announcement made headlines.

"Feels like this moment could have stayed in the meeting room," Watt wrote in response to a post that revealed Rodgers, "through sobs, mustered a two-word message to deliver to his coach: 'I'm sorry,' several players heard him say. 'I'm sorry. I'm sorry.'"

Aaron Rodgers And Other Steelers Players Had Emotional Response To Tomlin's Departure

According to an earlier report from The Athletic, Tomlin's decision to step down as head coach of the Steelers organization made things feel "like a funeral."

In addition to Rodgers' reported reaction, sources told the publication that Watt's brother, TJ, also had an emotional response, reportedly telling Tomlin "no" over and over again.

The insider also shared that cornerback Joey Porter Jr. began "hyperventilating."

Rodgers has long shown his respect for Tomlin, who coached the Steelers for 19 seasons, previously saying that his relationship with the Super Bowl champion was part of what led him to sign with Pittsburgh in June 2025.

"This was a decision that was best for my soul, and I felt like being here with coach [Mike Tomlin] and the guys that got here and the opportunity here was the best for me and I'm excited to be here," he said at the time.

Aaron Rodgers Paid Respect To Tomlin, While The Latter Previously Refused To Talk About Future

Tomlin's exit from the Steelers follows widespread criticism from fans after the Steelers' 30-6 blowout loss to the Houston Texans on Monday, January 12, according to ESPN.

Speaking with reporters after the loss, Tomlin played coy about his future with the league and the team, saying, "I'm not even in that mindset as I sit here tonight."

Instead, Tomlin explained that he was more interested in understanding why his team performed so poorly. "Not a big-picture mentality as I sit here tonight," he said.

Rodgers, on the other hand, spoke positively about his coach and praised him for his success in the league.

"And more than that, though, when you have the right guy and the culture is right, you don't think about making a change, but there's a lot of pressure that comes from the outside and obviously that sways decisions from time to time. But it's not how I would do things and not how the league used to be," Rodgers said.

Jason Kelce Called Out His Former NFL Team, Calling Them 'Mediocre'

Watt isn't the only NFL alum calling out an organization, as Jason Kelce slammed the Philadelphia Eagles for their "mediocre" performance against the San Francisco 49ers, which knocked them out of the playoffs.

"They had the No. 1, highest-paid offense in the league and were mediocre across the board. That’s unacceptable," Jason said on a recent "Monday Night Football" broadcast. "They had their chances to win that game yesterday, and the players didn’t make the plays! Alright? That’s all I’m going to leave it at."

Jason, who retired from the Eagles in 2024, wasn't the only one speaking about the team's unfortunate outcome. Quarterback Jalen Hurts took responsibility for the team's loss, saying, "... winning is hard."

"Everything was clear for us and what we wanted to accomplish this year, and we came up short, and so you have no choice but to learn from it, especially if you have a great passion about it," he added.

Fans Agree With JJ Watt's Stance On Rodgers' Private Moment

JJ, you’re absolutely right. Some moments are sacred.

— Stephen Simpson 🇺🇦 ProperGander (@BamaStephen) January 15, 2026

On social media, fans echoed Watt's sentiments regarding the privacy of Rodgers' emotional moment.

"JJ, you're absolutely right," a user wrote. "Some moments are sacred."

"It's great that they have such a good relationship," another user said. "I'm with you, though. That interaction was meant just for the two of them. We don't need to hear about it."

"I think you're right, JJ," a third user said. "There are certain times that should be respected and private. A coach announcing he is stepping down to his team is one of them!!!"