Former NFL star JJ Watt and his wife Kealia, an ex-USA football international, have announced their investment in Burnley Football Club. The Watts attended the 3-0 win over Wigan at Turf Moor in March and expressed their admiration for the club’s history and tradition. JJ Watt, who played for the Arizona Cardinals and the Houston Texans before retiring in December and was voted NFL defensive player of the year three times, and Kealia Watt, who played for Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars, as well as earning three USA caps, will be involved in helping to grow Burnley’s women’s team.
Burnley chairman Alan Pace said talks with the Watts have “been happening for some time” and that they bring with them “an incredible amount of top-level sporting pedigree and success, as well as ideas and connections that will be invaluable in helping us to continue telling the Clarets story to an international audience.”
The Watts have also been taking advice from Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who are minority owners of Wrexham Football Club, which has recently been promoted to League Two as National League champions. JJ Watt said he has spoken to both Reynolds and McElhenney about their experiences and gained insight into what they have done. Kealia Watt added that they have always been huge soccer fans and that they fell in love with Burnley when they visited the town. They are looking forward to watching the team’s progress under manager Vincent Kompany next season.