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On May 1, National Football League (NFL) legend J.J. Watt and his wife, former USWNT soccer star Kealia Ohai, confirmed purchasing a minority stake in Burnley. The Clarets, who have topped the Championship charts with 101 points, are set to return to the Premier League next season.
J.J. Watt called time on his NFL career after the end of the 2022 campaign. The 34-year-old Houston Texans legend closed his NFL chapter as a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and a five-time Pro Bowler. Off the pitch, Watt has emerged as a pillar in philanthropy. In 2017, he was named NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year after he helped raise a massive $37 million in Hurricane Harvey relief.
His wife, Kealia, on the other hand, has plied her trade at Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars, and has, of course, represented the US national women’s team. She famously scored the winning goal for the States in the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. The 31-year-old is currently a free agent, awaiting her next adventure.
J.J. Watt and Kealia Ohai tied the knot on Valentine’s Day Weekend of 2020 after getting engaged in May 2019. Almost three years later, on October 23, 2022, they became parents to baby Koa.
J.J. Watt and Kealia Ohai’s first official message to Burnley after becoming the club’s minority owners
J.J. Watt and Kealia Ohai are admittedly thrilled to become a part of Burnley’s history. The American power couple spent time in the Burnley community before going all-in, which shows the commitment they have towards the Championship winners.
Their passion and honesty shone through in their first statement as the Claret’s new minority owners.
They said:
“When you invest in a club that’s been around since 1882, you must have great respect for its history and tradition. 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 have such great respect for what has been built here by Alan, Vincent and the entire organisation and are looking forward to working with them. 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.”
Courtesy of his brilliant work at Burnley, Vincent Kompany had been linked with a plethora of European managerial jobs. On Sunday (May 7), Burnley announced that they had managed to tie Kompany down to a new contract, ensuring his long-time involvement. Watts was overjoyed with the announcement, with him taking to social media to show his enthusiasm with a GIF of Kompany dropping the mic.
