A light-hearted bet with an English soccer goalkeeper might pull former NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt out of retirement.
Burnley goalie and Cincinnati Bengals fan James Trafford sent Watt a direct message on social media in December with a proposition. If Trafford finishes his season in the English Football League Championship — the second tier of soccer in that country — without allowing a goal, Watt would come out of retirement to play for the Bengals.
Watt, a minority investor in Burnley, agreed.
Two months later, Watt mentioned on social media that he’s looking at real estate in Cincinnati. The former Houston Texan has also jokingly mentioned that he’ll have to start working out again.
“I’ll do it,” Watt said on “The Dan Patrick Show” this week. “If he does that [allowing no goals for Burnley], which is insane, we have 12 or 13 games left. If he does it, it’s insane enough and respectful enough that I will go out there and follow through. Who knows if they even want me? I haven’t talked to them, but I’m in shape. I’ll go play.”
Watt’s last NFL contract with the Arizona Cardinals could throw a wrench in those plans. The 35-year-old had one year remaining on his deal when he retired after the 2022 season. If he does unretire, he would be contractually obligated to join the Cardinals. Arizona’s front office could cut or release the two-time sack leader.
“I haven’t thought that far ahead,” Watt said of the logistics. “I never filed retirement paperwork.”
The defensive end recorded 12.5 sacks during his final season in Arizona to cap a career full of trophies, including one for the 2017 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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