J.J. Watt’s love for football knows no bounds.
The retired NFL defensive end professed his passion for the “other” football during a Monday announcement alongside his wife Kealia – a former United States women’s national soccer team player – confirming their financial involvement with newly promoted Burnley.
“We don’t have ‘buy an entire European football club’ kind of money,” he said in a video on Twitter. “We’re more along the lines of ‘minority investment, but massive emotional investment.'”
The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year winner ended his stellar career last season after 11 campaigns split between the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals.
Watt, 34, visited Turf Moor earlier this season to watch Burnley in action and learn about the club’s history.
“When you invest in a club that’s been around since 1882, you must have great respect for its history and tradition,” the couple said in a team release.
“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.”
He added: “We believe that Burnley is a special club with incredible supporters and we want to help continue to elevate its global profile on its return to the Premier League.”
Burnley will compete in the Premier League, the first tier of English football, next season after a dominant campaign in the Championship. Vincent Kompany’s side sealed first place with several matches remaining in the season.
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