“Tribal Loyalty”-by Making Baby Steps to Soccer Ownership, JJ Watt Reveals Golden Advice by Wrexham Co-owner Ryan Reynolds to Widen Burnley Fanbase

Wrexham AFC story is proving to be inspirational. The takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to achieve the promotion dream has made many fans fall in love with the third-oldest soccer club. Beyond soccer, the way Hollywood owners connected with the Wrexham community is also appreciable. And this is what has inspired NFL legend JJ Watt in his new soccer investment.

Watt and his wife became the minority owner of Burnley FC recently. The club will play in the Premier League next season after winning the EFL Championship. Watt finds it fascinating how Wrexham has grown its fanbase in the US. The former NFL superstar wants to build a fanbase for his new club and has revealed valuable advice from Ryan Reynolds to achieve it.

Wrexham co-owner gives a significant advice

JJ Watt revealed that Wrexham and its owners were one of the reasons behind his investment in the English soccer club. The achievements of the Wrexham have been inspirational, and Watt discussed his new project with the Deadpool star. It was around developing a sense of loyalty among the Burnley fans and creating an emotional connection that goes beyond winning or losing.

“The number one thing Ryan said was recognizing the tribalism in football,” Watt told The Athletic in an exclusive interview. “It’s different from American sports. It is a tribal loyalty that is rarely found in other sports or supporter bases. He told me I had to respect and honor that history and tradition and do right by that group otherwise you will lose them before you start.”

Burnley might not be identical to Wrexham in the level where they play soccer, but it is almost similar to Wrexham, with the community heavily involved with the club. The invaluable advice from the Deadpool star will help Watt. NFL legend wants to build a fanbase for his club in the US as Wrexham did. Whether Watt succeeds at making the English club popular in the US remains to be seen.

JJ Watt revealed the brain behind his investment decision

American investor Alen Pace took over Burnley FC in 2020. Burnley FC won the Championship to earn the promotion back to the Premier League. Pace now has got a partner in the form of NFL legend JJ Watt, who has brought minority stakes in the club. 

READ MORE: ‘Retired From Retirement’ NFL Legend JJ Watt Reveals ‘True Brains’ Behind $143 Million Valued Investment

Wrexham was the inspiration behind the American football superstar’s decision, who recently revealed that his wife, Kealia Watt, was the brain behind the investment decision. Kealia is a soccer player and has played for USWNT. From American football to soccer, it will be a fascinating new journey for JJ Watt.

WATCH THIS STORY: Wrexham Owners Net Worth Comparison

Let us know your thoughts on the increasing investment of former athletes in sports franchises.