Burnley’s Historic Clean Sheet Streak and J.J. Watt’s NFL Bet: A Tale of Soccer and Football
Feb 13, 2025, 06:01 AM ET
In a remarkable turn of events, English Championship club Burnley has etched its name into the history books by achieving an unprecedented 10th successive clean sheet on Wednesday. This impressive feat has not only captured the attention of soccer enthusiasts but also brought a playful twist involving part owner J.J. Watt, who might find himself contemplating a surprising return to the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals.
J.J. Watt, the former All-Pro defensive end, has been enjoying his retirement from the NFL since 2022. However, a lighthearted exchange with Burnley’s goalkeeper, James Trafford, has added an intriguing layer to Burnley’s defensive success. Back in January, at the very start of Burnley’s clean sheet streak, Trafford reached out to the 35-year-old Watt with a bold proposition: if Burnley could maintain their defensive prowess and not allow a goal for the rest of the season, Watt would unretire and join the Bengals.
Watt’s response was both humorous and daring: “You don’t allow a goal for the rest of the season and it’s a deal.” He shared this exchange on social media, captioning it with a touch of concern, “This is starting to become a bit of a concern…”
Fast forward to the present, and Burnley has indeed kept their end of the bargain, not conceding a single goal since that message was shared. Their latest triumph came on Wednesday when they defeated Hull City 2-0, marking their 10th consecutive clean sheet. This achievement makes Burnley the first club in England’s second-tier to accomplish such a feat.
Currently, Burnley sits third in the Championship table, just three points shy of the automatic promotion places. With 14 games remaining in the season, the club’s prospects for returning to the Premier League are looking promising.
In response to Burnley’s record-breaking performance, Watt took to social media once again, playfully acknowledging the situation. He posted, “I mean I do love Graeter’s and Montgomery Inn BBQ,” referencing two iconic Cincinnati food establishments, perhaps hinting at the allure of a potential return to the city.
For those unfamiliar with Watt’s illustrious NFL career, he retired after 12 seasons, having started with the Houston Texans before moving on to the Arizona Cardinals. A former first-round draft pick, Watt was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, 2014, and 2015, solidifying his legacy as one of the league’s most formidable defensive players.
Watt’s involvement with Burnley began a year after his NFL retirement when he, along with his wife Kealia, who played eight seasons in the NWSL, purchased a minority stake in the club. Their investment in the Lancashire club has coincided with Burnley’s impressive defensive run, adding an extra layer of excitement to their ownership journey.
As Burnley prepares to face Preston North End on Saturday, fans and sports enthusiasts alike are left wondering if Watt will indeed honor his playful bet and make a sensational return to the NFL. While the prospect remains uncertain, the story has certainly added a delightful twist to Burnley’s historic season.
- Burnley achieves 10th successive clean sheet.
- J.J. Watt’s playful bet with James Trafford gains attention.
- Burnley sits third in the Championship table.
- Watt’s potential NFL return with the Bengals remains a topic of intrigue.
Whether or not Watt dons an NFL jersey once more, his involvement with Burnley and the club’s remarkable defensive streak have provided a captivating narrative that bridges the worlds of soccer and American football. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Burnley to see if they can maintain their defensive dominance and secure a return to the Premier League.
Originally Written by: ESPN
