JJ Watt Reveals How Didier Drogba & Chelsea Inspired NFL Icon for Burnley Ownership

Owning a soccer club seems to be in style. From Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buying Wrexham to Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian owning NWSL’s Angel City, the trend continues to grow. Earlier, JJ Watt also followed suit by investing in Burnley. While stating his reasons to own a soccer club, Watt’s inspiration came not just after he ‘started following Chelsea‘ but from his craze for Didier Drogba. 

The surprising revelation came after the former NFL superstar sat down for an interview with Thierry Henry, Micah Richards, and Kate Abdo on CBS Sports Golazo. Abdo asked JJ Watt how he thought of owning a soccer club. Interestingly, he replied, “I became a Premier League fan back in 2010–2011. I like to play FIFA”. The former defensive end then poured his heart out while talking about a Chelsea legend. “I like to watch Drogba and Ivory Coast. It’s like every time, ‘Where’s Drogba playing?’ I started following Chelsea,” he added. 

He insists that he is related to soccer way early, given that his wife, Kealia Watt, plays for the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL. “Near the end of my career, I wanted to get an ownership. I just didn’t know. I looked up in the USL, MLS and I also looked then the Premier League opportunity came about and every single box was checked and it was a perfect match. I truly love this and it is my true passion,” he concluded. Earlier, Watt revealed that his love for the Blues started after he always used to choose Ivory Coast while playing FIFA. 

Either way, that was quite an interesting revelation. However, it wasn’t just the Chelsea jersey that Watt ever held.

JJ Watt had past allegiances with the other Premier League clubs

Earlier, when JJ Watt revealed his fandom for Chelsea, he also acknowledged the possibility of facing criticism from fans for holding the jerseys of other clubs. Expressing his hope that this revelation wouldn’t lead to any negative consequences, he stated, “They can also show photos of me holding up a Manchester City kit because Sergio Aguero is my friend or a Tottenham Hotspur kit because Harry Kane is my friend.”

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However, the player admitted his comfort with the situation, indicating that it wouldn’t greatly trouble him, as he remains optimistic about his investment in the $750 million club. JJ Watt acknowledged that Burnley is the ‘right club’ for him as it gives him the opportunity to ‘come in and make a difference,’ unlike other big clubs.

Nevertheless, let’s see how ‘The Milk Man‘ takes to for his beloved side as a stakeholder.

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