The Pittsburgh Steelers have had the joy of watching and listening to JJ Watt cheer on his little brother ever since he announced his retirement at the end of the 2022 season. Naturally, since Watt retired, there have been a few rumors to circulate about him coming out of retirement to play with his brother in Pittsburgh. Watt has made it clear that he is enjoying his time with his child and the rest of his family, but he is dangerously close to having to put on the pads again.
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Steelers' TJ Watt hugs his brother JJ Watt before the two played.
Watt has been busy during his retirement. He and his wife announced that they were minority investors in Burnley F.C., which is a football (soccer) club based out of England. Watt became an investor in early-2023, and the club was relegated from the Premier League ahead of the 2023 season. The former NFL defender has been very public in his support for Burnley, and he even made a fun bet with the team's goaltender.
This is starting to become a bit of a concern… pic.twitter.com/MrOdjRz2En
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 18, 2025
James Trafford is the club's primary goalkeeper, and he is from The United Kingdom. He is clearly a fan of the NFL and the Cincinnati Bengals, as he has been trying to persuade Watt to suit up for Cincinnati. This would be interesting since Watt hasn't played in two entire seasons, but it would also add a bit of a wrinkle to the rivalry between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. JJ and TJ Watt would see one another at least twice a season, which should make for some good games.
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Steelers' TJ Watt with his brothers before a game in Houston during the 2023 season.
JJ made this bet with Trafford on December 28th, and the goalie hasn't allowed a ball past him so far. The club did give up a goal on January 11th, but it was not on Trafford. Burnley still has a considerable amount of matches left on its schedule, so it is a long shot that JJ will be forced to pay up on his bet, but it is still interesting to keep track of. Trafford seems to be up to the challenge.
Remarkable scenes as James Trafford saves TWO late penalties! 🤯🚫
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) January 17, 2025
The #SkyBetChampionship never fails to deliver! 😅#EFL pic.twitter.com/m3P9hp1Fpo
The Bengals could certainly use the services of JJ, assuming he can perform anywhere close to how he was during his last season in 2022. It became clear throughout the 2024 season that the Bengals needed some help on that side of the ball, and it will certainly be a priority of the front office throughout the 2025 offseason.
Trafford has appeared in 26 matches so far this season, and he has allowed just nine goals. The goal tender has also recorded 53 saves. There are a lot of matches left on the schedule, but the goal tender seems to be in a groove ever since making the bet with JJ.
@CoachTomlin / X
Steelers' Mike Tomlin chats with former great player JJ Watt during practice.
Steelers Fans Still Want To See JJ In Pittsburgh
TJ is one of the most beloved players on the Steelers roster, so fans have obviously been wanting to see him team up with JJ. JJ seems pretty comfortable stepping away from the game and it doesn't seem like he has any desire to return to the gridiron. The former defensive end had a child within the last couple of years, and that has seemed to keep JJ preoccupied.
JJ also went through a scary situation during his last season in the NFL. Near the beginning of the 2022 season his heart went into atrial fibrillation, meaning it was out of rhythm. JJ had to get his heart shocked back into the proper rhythm, which would probably make anybody reconsider playing football again.
What do you think about JJ's bet with Trafford? Let us know in the comments below!
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