NFL player JJ Watt and his wife Kealia have made an interest in Burnley FC.

JJ Watt: “I believe in what [chairman] Alan (Pace) is doing at Burnley and what Vincent (Kompany) is building. It’s just a matter of coming in at the right time. We really enjoyed our time in Burnley and we’re looking forward to coming back”

Last Updated: 01/05/23 6:55pm

Former NFL star JJ Watt and wife and soccer player Kealia Watt spoke of what they hope to achieve at Burnley after announcing their investment into the club

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports

Former NFL star JJ Watt and wife and soccer player Kealia Watt spoke of what they hope to achieve at Burnley after announcing their investment into the club

Former NFL star JJ Watt and wife and soccer player Kealia Watt spoke of what they hope to achieve at Burnley after announcing their investment into the club

Former NFL star JJ Watt and his wife Kealia Watt, a former USA international, have announced their investment in Burnley Football Club.

JJ is a three-time defensive player of the year winner. The 34-year-old retired from the game at the end of the 2022 season after 12 seasons with the Houston Texans (2011-20 and Arizona Cardinals (2021-22).

Kealia enjoyed a successful club career with Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars, representing the US national team on three occasions in 2016. She retains the record for scoring the fastest goal of any debutant for the women’s national team, netting 48 seconds into her international debut.

Three-time NFL defensive player of the year JJ Watt retired from the sport at the end of the 2022 season
Three-time NFL defensive player of the year JJ Watt retired from the sport at the end of the 2022 season

The couple have always had an interest in English football, with JJ having been a fan of Chelsea and Kealia of Arsenal, she told Sky Sports News, but their loyalties lie firmly with Burnley now after announcing their investment into the club.

“We went to Burnley, visited the town and we just fell in love,” Kealia said. “It’s such an incredible place.

Burnley's celebrations begin after their victory against Blackburn to seal the Championship title!

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports

Burnley’s celebrations begin after their victory against Blackburn to seal the Championship title!

Burnley’s celebrations begin after their victory against Blackburn to seal the Championship title!

“What Vincent (Kompany) has done with this team is unbelievable. We cannot wait to watch this [next] season.

“We’re so excited. It’s going to be so cool – we’ll be there on opening day. We’re counting down the days, we cannot wait.”

JJ added: “It’s all about the opportunity to have an impact in the club.

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany says there is no better way to win after beating their biggest rivals Blackburn to secure the Championship title

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany says there is no better way to win after beating their biggest rivals Blackburn to secure the Championship title

Burnley manager Vincent Kompany says there is no better way to win after beating their biggest rivals Blackburn to secure the Championship title

“Chelsea is obviously an unbelievable club and they’ve built something incredible there, but I believe in what [chairman] Alan (Pace) is doing at Burnley and what Vincent is building.

“It’s just a matter of coming in at the right time. We really enjoyed our time in Burnley and we’re looking forward to coming back.”

The Watts spent time at the club and within the local community earlier in the season, when they attended the Clarets’ 3-0 victory over Wigan at Turf Moor. They are also due to be in attendance for Burnley’s final home fixture of the season against Cardiff City on Monday, May 8.

The pair also spoke of how following Wrexham’s story since the club’s takeover by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney proved to be an inspiration.

Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrate with the National League trophy after their promotion to the fourth tier
Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrate with the National League trophy after their promotion to the fourth tier

Kealia said: “We watched the documentary a few months ago and it was so cool to see what they’ve done.

“That’s kind of what we’re modelling this after. They’re just incredible and Wrexham are such a fun team – we’ve followed that and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do here.”

JJ added: “I’ve spoken to Rob about his experience and I’ve tried to gain some insight into what he’s done, and I’ve spoke to Ryan too to try to get his ideas on what has worked and what hasn’t.

“Obviously they’re in a different league and a different situation, with what Wrexham are doing, but they’ve done an incredible job.

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has made an ambitious bid to get Gareth Bale out of retirement and sign for his team

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Sky Sports

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has made an ambitious bid to get Gareth Bale out of retirement and sign for his team

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has made an ambitious bid to get Gareth Bale out of retirement and sign for his team

“Our goal is to come in and get involved with the community. With the [Burnley] supporters, we want to earn their trust, we understand that we can’t come in and expect them to trust us right away.

“And then we want to help tell their story to America and beyond. We want people to know about the Clarets.”

Alan Pace, Burnley chairman, said of the Watts’ investment in a statement: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome JJ and Kealia into the Clarets family.

“This is a conversation that has been happening for some time and over the course of this season we’ve been hugely impressed by their passion and interest in both the club and the Burnley community. I am very much looking forward to working with them.”

Related Posts

Is Travis Kelce Hiding Heartache? Solo Day With Brother Jason Raises Eyebrows

Travis Kelce, known for his larger-than-life personality on and off the football field, was recently seen enjoying a laid-back day out with his brother, former NFL player Jason Kelce. While the two siblings appeared to be in good spirits—grabbing lunch, …

Read more

Travis Kelce Sneaks Taylor Swift Into 2025 Kentucky Derby—Hidden Clues Are Sending Fans Into a Frenzy

While the 2025 Kentucky Derby dazzled as usual with bold fashion, celebrity appearances, and fast horses, one of the most significant moments of the day went largely undetected—at least officially. According to multiple fan theories, flight trackers, …

Read more

Tom Brady Admits Devastating Screw-Up With His Kids After Gisele Divorce: “Like a Stake Through the Heart”

Even the GOAT makes mistakes. Tom Brady called last year’s viral Netflix roast a major parenting “f–k up” on his part Tuesday, even though the special initially left him on “cloud nine.” The retired NFL player, 47, admitted to “Impaulsive” podcast listeners …

Read more

Before Taylor Swift: Travis Kelce’s Mom Spills the Dating Tea He Tried to Hide ‘You told me zero’

Perhaps ignorance really is bliss. Donna Kelce put her sons, Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce, on blast for not sharing anything with her about their love lives when they were in college. “I knew nothing of anybody that you guys were dating in college. You …

Read more

Sterling Mahomes Becomes Taylor Swift’s Kitchen Protégé — But the Shocking Twist Isn’t About Baking!

Taylor Swift Turns Baker and Mentor for Sterling Mahomes — But That’s Not the Biggest Surprise When it comes to unlikely friendships, few are as sweet — or surprising — as the one forming between global pop icon Taylor Swift and three-year-old Sterling …

Read more

Love on the Fast Track: Mahomes Couple Steals the Show at F1 Miami!

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes were spotted looking lovey-dovey at the Formula One Miami Grand Prix. On Sunday, the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model shared via Instagram Stories a PDA-filled selfie with her husband from inside Alpine’s VIP suite at Hard …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *