When former NFL star J.J. Watt took on a partial ownership role at Burnley FC, he couldn’t have foreseen the excitement a playful wager would ignite. It all started with a lighthearted exchange with the team’s standout goalkeeper, James Trafford, and it’s been a thrilling ride for the club ever since.
In December, Trafford, a Cincinnati Bengals fan, threw a playful challenge at Watt: What would it take to coax the retired All-Pro defensive end out of retirement to join the Bengals? Watt’s comeback was as unlikely as it was intriguing. If Trafford could end the season without letting a single goal past him, Watt would strap on his pads once more.
Up until then, Trafford had showcased remarkable skill, conceding just nine goals over 22 league matches. But the idea of maintaining a perfect defense for the rest of the season? That seemed far-fetched.
Yet, Trafford managed to keep a clean sheet in the very next game against Middlesbrough, resulting in a 0-0 tie. He followed this with three more shutouts in his subsequent appearances, prompting a public nod from Watt on social media, especially after a standout performance against Sunderland, where Trafford heroically stopped two last-minute penalties.
As the games rolled on, Trafford’s streak continued. Seven more matches and nearly 1,000 minutes later, he’s still unbreached since Watt made his playful bet.
Rather than shying away from the agreement, Watt has doubled down, mixing jest with encouragement. His social media posts humorously hint at gym sessions and house hunting in Cincinnati, each time Burnley maintains a clean sheet, most recently against Sheffield Wednesday.
But as much as fans adore the fantasy of a Watt comeback, Trafford isn’t in the clear just yet. Burnley still faces at least 12 more league games before wrapping up the Championship season.
While the crossover between Burnley and Bengals supporters might not be vast, fans of the Clarets can’t help but dream that Trafford’s continued brilliance could secure them a spot in the top tier. Who knows, maybe it’ll even influence a defensive reshuffle for Cincinnati as well.
