The partial owner of Burnley FC, JJ Watt, could have obtained more than he negotiated when he made a joke promise to goalkeeper James Trafford, but the club is thriving for that.
In December, Trafford, a fan of the Cincinnati Bengals, contacted Watt with a long shot request: would the former defensive wing All-prone consider getting out of retirement to play for Cincinnati? Watt responded with an equally unlikely preposition: if Trafford was the rest of the season without granting a goal, he would.
Trafford had gathered an impressive season until that time, having allowed only nine goals in 22 league openings. But ending the season without granting another? Ridiculous.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper maintained a clean sheet the next day in a 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough. Then he published three more in his next three openings, with Watt recognizing the bet on social networks after an impressive exit against Sunderland, in which Trafford saved a couple of late penalty kicks.
This is beginning to become a concern … pic.twitter.com/mrodjrz2en
– JJ Watt (@jjwatt) January 18, 2025
Since his heroicity against Sunderland, Trafford has made seven more openings … and has not yet granted a goal. In total, he has played just under 1,000 minutes without allowing a goal since Watt made his counterofferta.
Watt, for humor or interest in offering more motivation for the young top of his club, has not withdraw Wednesday.
I didn’t think we would go so far … pic.twitter.com/vvzxbbolfk
– JJ Watt (@jjwatt) February 22, 2025
However, Trafford still has a long way to go before forcing Watt to get out of retirement. Burnley still has a minimum of 12 more league matches at his time before his championship campaign is finished.
The superposition between Burnley and Bengals fans is probably not especially large. But, with the club currently sitting in third place at the League table, supporters will undoubtedly wait for the game inspired by Trafford to help Clarets boost the promotion, and help Cincinnati reinforce their defensive line.
