J.J. Watt stunned by Premier League experience: “It’s purely about the football”
Since retiring from the NFL, J.J. Watt has been wrapped up in the soccer world, and he’s noticed some stark differences in American and European football.
Few NFL players were as dominant during their careers as J. J. Watt. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year built a reputation as one of the league’s most recognizable stars during his 12 seasons with the Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals. Since retiring after the 2022 season, however, Watt has stepped into a very different sports world.
Alongside his wife, former U.S. national team soccer player Kealia Watt, he is now part of the ownership group for Burnley F.C., a club that competes in England’s Premier League. And as of July 2025, he is also a key stakeholder in Spain’s La Liga club RCD Espanyol.
Come On Burnley!@BurnleyOfficial pic.twitter.com/9gQByL03fj
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 28, 2026
From NFL to soccer: J.J. Watt explains the culture shock
The role has given him a front-row seat to European soccer culture, and he’s quickly noticed just how different it is from American sports.
In fact, one particular contrast between Premier League matches and NFL games stood out immediately.
“It’s hands-down how much it’s purely about the football, and nothing else,” Watt said while discussing the experience of attending games. “There’s no pregame show, no halftime show, no postgame show… They even minimize the size of the big screens.”
"It's hands-down how much it's purely about the football, and nothing else. There's no pregame show, no halftime show, no postgame show...They even minimize the size of the big screens."
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) March 5, 2026
JJ WATT on how Premier League games differ from American sports.@BankofAmerica ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/F1aiEc3IwR
The NFL has long embraced spectacle as part of its product. Pregame coverage can run for hours before kickoff, halftime often features elaborate entertainment, and massive video boards and studio panels break down every moment before and after the game. The sport’s biggest showcase, the Super Bowl, is famous as much for its halftime performances and commercials as it is for the football itself.
Premier League matches, by contrast, are far more stripped down. Games typically begin shortly after fans enter the stadium, halftime lasts only about 15 minutes, and there’s little in the way of in-stadium entertainment. The focus is squarely on the action on the field, something Watt says becomes obvious the moment you attend a match.
That cultural difference is part of what has fascinated Watt since joining Burnley’s ownership group. The former NFL star has been vocal about embracing the experience of English soccer, often sharing behind-the-scenes moments with supporters and documenting his visits to Turf Moor, the club’s historic home stadium.
While American leagues continue to build entertainment around the game itself, Watt’s comments highlight how differently the sport is packaged overseas, where, in many cases, the match alone is the entire show.
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