‘Starting to become a concern’ – J.J. Watt jokes about coming out of retirement with Burnley star and playing for surprise team

Yesterday at 03:15 PM

J.J. Watt – Cincinnati Bengal?

It doesn’t exactly have a ring to it, but it could become a reality if Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford gets his way.

Watt, a former All-Pro defensive end and part owner of EPL club Burnley, joked about the possibility of ending his retirement on X, sharing a text conversation with Trafford from December 28.

Watt captioned the post: “This is starting to become a bit of a concern…”

Trafford, evidently a Bengals fan, asked Watt if he’d come out of retirement to play for Cincinnati next season.

Watt seemingly agreed, but only under one condition.

He wrote: “You don’t allow a goal for the rest of the season and it’s a deal.”

Watt followed that by sharing highlights of Trafford saving two penalties during recent heroics against Sunderland.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper saved two penalties in the closing minutes of Burnley’s game at Turf Moor on Friday night to earn his team a 1-1 draw.

The saves ensured Trafford’s clean sheet streak, which dates all the way back to December 15, stayed intact.

Crucially, the former Manchester City goalkeeper kept Burnley’s push for Premier League promotion alive, too, with Scott Parker‘s side currently third in the Championship with 53 points, two behind league-leaders Sheffield United.

As for Watt, it seems highly unlikely he’ll return to the gridiron.

The 35-year-old played 12 seasons in the NFL for the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals before hanging up his cleats after the 2022 season.

During his career, Watt established himself as one of the league’s most dominant defenders, winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards and earning five Pro Bowl nods.

He also made seven All-Pro teams and was the NFL sacks leader twice, in 2013 and 2015.

Despite being retired, Watt, who also works as an analyst for CBS, is still in phenomenal shape.

Many believe he could still do a decent job in the National Football League, particularly for the Bengals, who had a subpar defense all season and missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record.

Nevertheless, a return to football seems off the table for Watt at this stage in his career.

Instead, fans will have to get their Watt-fix through J.J.’s younger brother, T.J., who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers.