Following $350 Million Ryan Reynolds’ Footsteps, NFL Veteran JJ Watt Became a Minority Owner of Premier League bound Burnley F.C

American interest in English soccer is a trend that is steadily rising, thanks to Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Their investment into Wrexham F.C., and the club’s subsequent success, have prompted many other stars to follow that path. The latest one to join that list is former Texan and 5x Pro Bowler J.J. Watt, who bought a minority stake in Burnley F.C. along with his wife, right as they won the league.

J.J. Watt retired from the NFL last year, after almost 12 years of dominant defensive play on the gridiron. He spent most of his career in Houston, finishing it with a 2-year stint in Arizona. In over 151 games played, Watt has a staggering 114 sacks to his name. Added to that, he also recorded 449 solo and 586 combined tackles. He also has 6 touchdowns to his name, 3 of which came as part of the offense in 2014.

J.J. Watt and Kealia become minority stakeholders in Burnley F.C.

Not very long ago, the 3x Defensive Player of the Year and his wife decided to get involved with Burnley F.C., a team that has only recently secured its promotion to the top tier of English Football. This is not the first time they’ve made it to the Premier League, though. Even then, the celebrations after they lifted the trophy at their home ground, impressed Watt to a great extent.

 

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Watt also seems to be excited to hear that the Clarets’ coach, and Manchester City legend, Vincent Kompany, will be staying on with the club. Kompany has been instrumental in redeveloping the Clarets into a side that plays attacking football with a bit of flair added. The Watts will undoubtedly hope that Kompany can help the team stay afloat in the Premier League, given his own experience with Man City.

Kompany believes the Watts’ investment is a sign of progress for the club

Vincent Kompany has only praises for J.J. Watt after he and his wife decided to invest in the Lancashire-based club. The coach believes that this investment can only lead to more attention and interest in the club, and help alleviate some of their financial troubles as they prepare to face the brutal challenge that is the Premier League.

For Watt, this may not just be another investment program, in his long list of entrepreneurial ventures. It seems he and his wife, who is herself a professional soccer player, are deeply invested in the club, on an emotional level. That sort of attitude has previously worked well, case in point the $350 million worth Ryan Reynolds with Wrexham. Are fans in for another fairytale saga involving an English club?

About the author

Arjun Sukumaran

Arjun Sukumaran is a writing consultant for NFL here at the SportsRush. A Mechanical Engineering graduate, his debating stints from his college days have become part and parcel of his life. He loves cheeseburgers, so naturally, he loves the Kansas City Chiefs. And you can definitely count him in the group of people claiming Patrick Mahomes to be the next big thing. When he is not wearing the Kansas Red and Gold, he can be spotted proudly sporting the Red and White of Manchester United, or the iconic Red Bull Blue.

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