Could JJ Watt be suiting up in Bengals stripes next season? It sounds crazy, but thanks to a bet with Burnley FC goalkeeper James Trafford, the retired NFL legend might be closer to a comeback than anyone expected. What started as a joke has turned into a legitimate possibility as Trafford continues to defy the odds, and Bengals fans suddenly have a vested interest in English soccer.
The Bet That Started It All
Back in December, Trafford- an avid Cincinnati Bengals fan- casually asked JJ Watt if he’d consider coming out of retirement to play for his favorite team. Watt, thinking it was a safe bet, responded that he’d do it- if Trafford managed to keep a clean sheet for the rest of the season. At the time, the challenge seemed impossible. No goalkeeper in English football history had recorded more than 14 consecutive shutouts, and Trafford needed to hit 24 in a row.
Fast forward to today, and Watt might be sweating. Trafford has racked up an incredible 12 consecutive clean sheets, already making history as one of the hottest goalkeepers England has ever seen. The bet, once a joke, is now halfway to becoming reality.
This is starting to become a bit of a concern… pic.twitter.com/MrOdjRz2En
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 18, 2025
Watt Is Watching, And So Are the Bengals
Trafford’s streak has caught the attention of fans worldwide, and Burnley’s social media team has made sure to remind Watt that the bet is still alive. During a recent interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Watt admitted he never expected it to get this far.
“It started as a literal joke,” JJ Watt said. “But now he’s beaten almost every record in English football history. It’s getting pretty serious.”
And the Bengals? They might actually be interested. The team struggled defensively last season, and adding a three-time Defensive Player of the Year- a player who’s still in shape- would be an immediate upgrade. Watt acknowledged that while he hasn’t spoken with the Bengals, he’s open to following through on his word.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
How it started vs how it is looking 👀@JJWatt | @Bengals | @EFL pic.twitter.com/S8PptorHSk
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) February 13, 2025
“I’ll do it,” Watt said. “If he does that, which is insane, I will absolutely follow through. Who knows if the Bengals even want me? But I’m in shape, I’ll go play.”
Burnley’s New Fanbase: Cincinnati
As Trafford continues his streak, Bengals fans have become unlikely Burnley supporters. Watt, who owns a stake in the club with his wife, Kealia, has noticed the surge in Ohio-based engagement.
“We’ve created a lot of Clarets fans in Cincinnati, which is really cool,” Watt said.
Even Joe Burrow and the Bengals might want to start paying attention. If Trafford carries this streak into Burnley’s final match in May, there’s a real chance Bengals players will make the trip to England to witness history- and possibly secure Watt’s return.
Will Watt Really Return?
The question remains: if Trafford actually pulls this off, will Watt suit up for the Bengals? Based on his own words, the answer seems to be yes. He’s already joking about looking for houses in Cincinnati, and with his free-agent status, he wouldn’t need league approval to sign.
JJ Watt told an English goalkeeper if he went the rest of the year without allowing a goal, Watt would return to the NFL. Now, we're halfway there. https://t.co/o4Q1lqRm2I
— The Post-Crescent (@PostCrescent) February 27, 2025
Of course, the hardest part is still ahead. Trafford must maintain his perfect form for 12 more matches, a feat that still seems nearly impossible. But then again, so did 12 consecutive shutouts, and here we are.
If Trafford keeps this up, Cincinnati might get an unexpected boost to its defense. And JJ Watt? He may have to dust off his cleats a little sooner than expected.
Also Read: Is Rob Gronkowski Planning A Shocking NFL Comeback After Two Years Of Retirement?
