Move over, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, there’s a new power couple in international football. Former NFL superstar J.J. Watt and wife Kealia announced via social media on Monday, May 1, that they are investing in Burnley Football Club.
Having just secured promotion on April 7 with a win over Middlesbrough, Burnley will play in the Premier League next season.
Kealia Watt is a soccer superstar herself, having played for North Carolina in college — where she won an NCAA title in 2012 — and NWSL clubs the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars. Watt spent 12 years in the NFL, winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times.
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Now, they can add club investors to their resume. The announcement video, which referred to J.J. Watt as “Retired Guy” and made some topical Ryan Reynolds references. Check it out:
Incredibly excited to be joining the @BurnleyOfficial ownership group (and for JJ to have something to do 😂😂) UP THE CLARETS!!! pic.twitter.com/DRIMxPo6oX
— Kealia Ohai Watt (@KealiaOhai) May 1, 2023
“In the US, I’ve seen the NWSL grow into something really incredible, and we’d love to be a part of growing the women’s team here and be a part of their journey,” Kealia Watt said in the press release regarding helping the women’s club at Burnley continue to grow.
J.J. is equally as excited, saying, “When you invest in a club that’s been around since 1882, you must have great respect for its history and tradition. We understand that not only are we investing in the squad and manager, we’re investing in the town and its people. We take that responsibility very seriously and intend to work hard in earning their trust and support.”
Will we get a Welcome to Wrexham-esque documentary as Watt explores retirement with a new type of football? Let’s hope so.