NFL legend JJ Watt and wife Kealia invest in recently promoted Premier League club Burnley

NFL legend JJ Watt and his wife Kealia have acquired a minority stake in soon-to-be Premier League club Burnley.

Head coach Vincent Kompany recently helped Burnley clinch promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League.

Watt, who announced his retirement last year, is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Watt’s wife Kealia is a former USWNT international soccer player.

Burnley a ‘special club’

The couple said: “When you invest in a club that’s been around since 1882, you must have great respect for its history and tradition. We understand that not only are we investing in the squad and manager, we’re investing in the town and its people. We take that responsibility very seriously and intend to work hard in earning their trust and support.

“We have such great respect for what has been built here by Alan, Vincent and the entire organisation and are looking forward to working with them. We believe that Burnley is a special club with incredible supporters and we want to help continue to elevate its global profile on its return to the Premier League.”

Helping Burnley’s women’s team

Kealia also spoke about her determination to help the club’s women’s team continue to grow after they played their first ever game at Burnley’s Turf Moor last weekend.

She added: “In the US, I’ve seen the NWSL grow into something really incredible, and we’d love to be a part of growing the women’s team here and be a part of their journey.”

The pair will be at Burnley’s final Championship home game of the season against Cardiff City on Monday 8 May.