The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost an appeal that would have given T.J. Watt the NFL's single-season sack record all by himself.

Watt entered the final game of the season needing just one sack to tie Michael Strahan's mark of 22.5. It appeared as though he recorded a sack in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens, but statisticians ruled the play as a botched snap and credited Watt with a tackle for loss and forced fumble.

Watt was eventually able to sack Tyler Huntley in the second quarter to tie the single-season record.

The Steelers then appealed to the Elias Sports Bureau, who has the final say in such circumstances, about that first takedown.