NFL legend JJ Watt reveals 'falling in love' behind Burnley investment
Former NFL superstar JJ Watt has revealed that his investment in Burnley is down to "falling in love" with the town on a visit with his wife, and former USWNT international, Kealia.
The Clarets will be playing Premier League football next season after achieving an impressive promotion under Vincent Kompany, hauling themselves out of the Championship at the first time of asking.
Under the guidance of former Manchester City captain Kompany, Burnley have a chance of finishing the season with over 100 points if they beat Cardiff City at Turf Moor on Monday 8th May - promotion and the title having long been assured.
All eyes will be on Kompany's side when they return to the top flight, owing to the brand of football they've played this season, but the attention is set to ramp up after NFL legend Watt announced on Monday that he's invested in the club.
"We went to Burnley, visited the town and we just fell in love. It's such an incredible place. What Vincent [Kompany] has done with this team is unbelievable. We cannot wait to watch this [next] season," Watt, who played for the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans during his 11 year NFL career, explained to Sky Sports of the investment stake.
"We're so excited. It's going to be so cool - we'll be there on opening day. We're counting down the days, we cannot wait," wife Kealia, who spent five seasons at Houston Dash and has played three times for USWNT, added.
JJ went on to admit that he's talked to Wrexham owner Rob McElhenney to get some tips about how they can help Burnley as best they can - the Canadian actor alongside Ryan Reynolds has just overseen the Welsh club's return to the EFL.
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"I've spoken to Rob about his experience and I've tried to gain some insight into what he's done, and I've spoke to Ryan too to try to get his ideas on what has worked and what hasn't," he said.
"Obviously they're in a different league and a different situation, with what Wrexham are doing, but they've done an incredible job. Our goal is to come in and get involved with the community. With the [Burnley] supporters, we want to earn their trust, we understand that we can't come in and expect them to trust us right away.
"And then we want to help tell their story to America and beyond. We want people to know about the Clarets."
Burnley chairman Alan Pace said of their arrival, meanwhile: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome JJ and Kealia into the Clarets family. 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.”