JJ Watt Jokes About Ending NFL Retirement to Join Bengals Amid Burnley Bet

Legendary former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman J.J. Watt joked Saturday that he is preparing to take the next step toward an NFL return due to a bet with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

On Jan. 18, Watt went public with a DM conversation he had with Trafford on Dec. 28, during which Watt said he would come out of retirement and play for the Cincinnati Bengals if Trafford did not concede a goal for the rest of the English League Championship season:

It has been nearly two months since that bet was made and Trafford hasn't let up a goal during that time, prompting Watt to post screenshots Saturday of real estate he is looking at in the Cincinnati area:

Watt is a minority investor in Burnley, who are currently third in the English League Championship standings, just two points behind second-place Sheffield United for an automatic bid back into the English Premier League next season.

The 22-year-old Trafford has played a significant role in the Clarets' success, having conceded just nine goals while making 66 saves in 33 appearances this season.

Watt, who will turn 36 next month, was one of the best defensive players of his era, as he was a five-time Pro Bowler, five-time First Team All-Pro and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

He registered 586 tackles, 114.5 sacks, 27 forced fumbles, 17 fumble recoveries, 70 passes defended and two interceptions, both of which were returned for touchdowns, in 151 career games over 12 seasons.

Watt last played in 2022 with the Cardinals, recording 12.5 sacks in 16 games. He experienced atrial fibrillation early in the season, though, which contributed to his decision to retire.

Since retiring, Watt has been an analyst for CBS Sports on The NFL Today in addition to his venture with Burnley.

While Watt's play in his final season suggests he could possibly return to the NFL and still be productive, it is unclear if he would actually consider it given the health challenges he experienced back in 2022.

Trafford has undoubtedly made things interesting, but there are still 12 matches remaining in Burnley's season, meaning he must remain perfect for quite a bit longer before Watt truly has to worry about the terms of the bet.