NFL legend and future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt has had his hands full since retiring from the NFL at the end of the 2022 season. In addition to his role as an analyst for CBS Sports’ “NFL Today,” Watt and his wife, Kealia, are minority owners of the Burnley Football Club based in Burnley, Lancashire, England.
Watt recently had a playful exchange with Burnley goalie James Trafford, which he might just have to make good on after going public with it.
J.J. Watt Makes a Conditional ‘Deal’ To Come Out of Retirement
Watt shared a screenshot on X (formerly Twitter) of a Dec. 28 exchange between him and Trafford. The English League Cup-winning goalie slid into Watt’s DMs to ask if he’d consider coming out of retirement to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2025 season.
This is starting to become a bit of a concern… pic.twitter.com/MrOdjRz2En
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 18, 2025
“Quick one mate,” Trafford wrote. “Fancy coming out of retirement for the Bengals next season.”
Watt replied, “You don’t allow a goal for the rest of the season and it’s a deal.”
Challenge accepted.
In Burnley’s four games since the late December exchange, Trafford has yet to allow a goal and has made seven saves. But the club has 20 more matches to play until Matchweek 46 in May. The 22-year-old has a save percentage of 85.7% on the season, allowing nine goals in 26 starts.
Watt Is Likely a First-Ballot Hall of Famer
Watt, 35, spent a decade at defensive end with the Houston Texans and his final two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Upon retirement, he left behind a legacy of dominance that is almost assuredly to make him a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Watt ranks second in NFL history for tackles for a loss (195), 35th in forced fumbles (27), and 34th in career sacks (114.5). He led the NFL in sacks in 2012 and 2015 (20.5, 17.5) and led the league in tackles for a loss three times: 2012 (39), 2014 (29), and 2015 (29).
Watt was awarded Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, 2014, and 2015, and he earned four consecutive All-Pro nods (2012-2015). He made his fifth and final first-team All-Pro in 2018.
