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

Kylie Kelce Shares a Magical Glimpse of Her and Jason Kelce’s Daughters on Their Disney World “Girls Trip”

Kylie Kelce took her and Jason Kelce’s three daughters, Wyatt, Bennett and Elliotte took a trip to Disney World and it was just for the girls. See the sweet moment. Sorry dad, the Disney magic was just for the girls. Kylie Kelce  took a trip to Disney …

Read more

Jason Kelce Breaks a World Record Live on ESPN, Leaving His Colleague in Fits of Laughter

Jason Kelce had to be consoled by fellow ESPN personality Marcus Spears after the Philadelphia Eagles legend had a less-than-stellar showing at the ‘Tailgate Gauntlet’ pregame. Jason Kelce received a hug from fellow ESPN commentator Marcus Spears before …

Read more

Travis Kelce Rocks a Bold Multi-Colored Jacket as He Lands in Buffalo for Chiefs vs Bills Showdown

Escher Walcott is a Writer/Reporter at PEOPLE, covering stories in Entertainment, Style, Human Interest.She joins having written for several popular news publications, including Glamour, Refinery29, NYLON and Evening Standard, discussing the…

Read more

Jason Kelce Fires Up Eagles Fans After Intense Phone-Slamming Moment in Big Win

It was quite the Sunday Funday for Jason Kelce. The retired Eagles center let loose Sunday with Philadelphia fans in California, according to social media videos that featured the future Hall of Famer living his best life as the Birds demolished the rival …

Read more

Pregnant Brittany Mahomes shines at the Chiefs-Bills game with a chic striped look and bow-inspired hairdo

Brittany has been rocking cute ‘fits all season long while she’s supported her husband, Patrick Mahomes. Brittany Mahomes is once again stepping out in style to support her husband, Patrick Mahomes! The soon-to-be mom-of-three, 29, put a spin on her usual …

Read more

Breaking Down Jason Kelce & Stevie Nicks’ 2024 Holiday Song and Its Meaning

Christmas season is upon us, and with that comes Christmas music — including many new Christmas albums. Jason Kelce is retired from football, but that hasn’t stopped him from reuniting with his Philadelphia Eagles teammates to release a third studio album …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.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