Outside linebacker T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers misses setting the sole sack record in Week 18. The franchise’s appeal of a ruling during the game against the Baltimore Ravens is also unsuccessful.

Munich/Pittsburgh – In Week 18, T.J. Watt needed just one more sack to immortalise himself in the history books and tie NFL legend Michael Strahan, who holds the record with 22.5 sacks in a season. In a 16-game regular season, mind you.

For a minute in the final game of the regular season for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it even looked like the pass rusher would set the record as well.

“T.J. WATT…NFL HISTORY!”

He has tied the single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks.pic.twitter.com/wO2Bkm39c2
(via @NFL)

– NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) January 9, 2022

Even in the first quarter, the Defensive Player of the Year candidate then caught Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley. The jubilation was great, Watt was celebrated by his colleagues accordingly.

But then came disillusionment – at least in part.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Appeal against sack decision unsuccessful

Immediately after the play, the action was treated as if the 27-year-old had caught up to Strahan. Baltimore’s statisticians, however, ultimately ruled the fumbled snap between Huntley and centre Bradley Bozeman an aborted play, with Watt credited with a tackle for loss and a forced fumble, but just no sack.

Watt eventually managed to sack Huntley in the second quarter, setting the season record, so he still reached the milestone. But just didn’t set the sole record in the standings.

However, the Steelers appealed the scoring of the first takedown to the Elias Sports Bureau, which has the final say in such cases. However, the team confirmed to Pro Football Talk that the appeal was rejected.