JJ Watt Slams PFF’s Player Grading System, Calls It "Completely Made Up"
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and current CBS analyst, JJ Watt, did not hold back in criticizing Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) player grading system during his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. While acknowledging that PFF offers useful analytical tools, Watt argued that its widely publicized player grades
“PFF has a lot of very beneficial tools. They have things where you can break down plays by coverages, where you can cut down the film to, ‘I just want to see runs to the right side under five yards.’ They have all this really good stuff that you can use,” Watt said. “The number one issue with PFF by far, bar none, hands down is their player grading system and the fact that they project it everywhere, including nationally televised games on Sunday night, where everybody’s watching. And they make it underneath the rankings, where it states as fact ’91st out of 97th defensive tackles.’… that is a completely made up number.”
Watt noted that his criticism is not sour grapes. During his playing career, PFF consistently rated him among its highest players, even giving him a score above 100.0 at one point. The outlet reportedly altered its grading system based on his performance.
“I’ve had my issues with PFF for a very long time,” the future Hall of Famer said. “I was their No. 1-rated player. I had over a hundred score while I was playing. They literally came to me and told me we had to change our system because of how you did it. So this isn’t a guy who had bad grades who’s disgruntled. I literally was their No. 1 guy, and I still hate it.”
Watt specifically criticized the method by which some grades are assigned. He recalled stories of individuals with no professional football background, including Uber drivers, claiming to break down game film and produce PFF grades after only watching televised broadcasts.
“You can’t watch film on TV copy and create a grade,” Watt said. “You can’t break down a person’s grade and know what they’re supposed to do if you don’t now their exact assignment. I know defensive line play unbelievably well. I could not go and grade a game for a player and give him a definitive grade without speaking to him, his coach, the scheme, everything. It’s a fact. PFF has a ton of great stuff. Player grading sucks. Stopping putting it out.”
The former defensive end remarks come amid ongoing debates about controversial PFF ratings this season. For instance, following the matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Myles Garrett of the Browns received a higher grade (89.8) than Watt’s brother, T.J. Watt, who recorded an 84.9 grade, despite T.J. recording more impactful plays.
Other examples include Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who received a dismal 34.8 grade in Week 3 even after leading his team effectively and limiting mistakes, and Patrick Queen, who scored only 56.2 despite arguably his best performance of the year.
Although PFF provides valuable analytical tools, Watt argues that their player grades often lack proper context and can misrepresent performance, urging fans and media to interpret them cautiously.
Aaron Rodgers of Pittsburgh Steelers: A Quiet Gesture that Speaks Volumes – Why His Act of Kindness on a Flight is Shaping His Legacy
Pittsburgh, PA — October 11, 2025 — In a world obsessed with stats, championships, and headlines, it’s rare to find a moment that transcends the game itself. But that’s exactly what
Rodgers, who has quickly become one of the most respected quarterbacks in NFL history, was caught in a viral moment this week that has left fans and fellow athletes alike in awe. The incident occurred not on the football field, but rather aboard a commercial flight from Pittsburgh, where Rodgers made a seemingly small but profoundly meaningful gesture that reminded everyone of what true leadership and character really look like.
A Quiet Act of Respect
According to multiple witnesses, just moments before takeoff, Rodgers — dressed casually in a hoodie and baseball cap — was seated in first class when an elderly man in a U.S. veteran cap was escorted down the aisle. Without hesitation, Rodgers stood up, offered his seat, and urged the veteran to take it. The veteran initially refused, but Rodgers insisted with a smile and quietly moved to an economy seat without making a scene.
However, what came next made this moment even more special. After relocating to his new seat, Rodgers didn’t seek attention or bask in any praise. Instead, he spent the next few minutes helping fellow passengers with their luggage, offering assistance to families, and even helping a mother calm her crying baby. According to flight attendants, Rodgers “was just helping — quietly, gently, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.”
This modest act, captured by no cameras and recorded by no media outlets, was a reflection of Rodgers’ personality both on and off the field — humble, genuine, and compassionate. “He wasn’t drawing attention to himself,” one witness noted. “He was just being a good person.”
A Ripple of Kindness: The Flight Cabin Responds
As Rodgers continued his quiet service, passengers began to take notice. Within minutes, murmurs spread across the cabin, and then, a spontaneous show of admiration erupted. Fellow passengers started chanting his name: “Rodgers! Rodgers!” The reaction was overwhelming — applause, cheers, and even tears filled the plane as everyone realized the full extent of Rodgers’ kindness.
What made this moment even more impactful was the deep connection it forged with those onboard. One passenger shared a poignant reflection, writing on social media, “No cameras. No PR stunt. Just pure class.”
This simple truth set social media ablaze, with fans across the world praising Rodgers for showing the kind of leadership that cannot be measured in touchdown passes or Super Bowl rings.
