JJ and Kealia Watt confirm investment in Premier League returnees Burnley
Former NFL star JJ Watt and his wife Kealia, an ex-US soccer international, have announced their investment in Burnley ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League.
JJ is a three-time NFL defensive player of the year, while Kealia played for Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars as well as the US national women’s team.
The couple, who have spent time at Burnley and within the local community recently, attended the club’s 3-0 win over Wigan in March. On Monday they confirmed their involvement with the Clarets.
“When you invest in a club that’s been around since 1882, you must have great respect for its history and tradition,” the Watts said in a statement. “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. 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 have clinched an immediate return to the English top-flight after last season’s relegation by wrapping up the Championship title.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome JJ and Kealia into the Clarets family,” Burnley chairman Alan Pace said. “Both JJ and Kealia 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.”
Kealia is also looking at helping Burnley’s women’s side, who sit in the third-tier FA Women’s National League North division and had their first ever outing at Turf Moor on Sunday.
“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 added.