Watt on formal investment in English pro soccer team: 'We intend to work hard in earning their trust and support'

Former Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt is getting involved in football again, but it’s not the game with the oval-shaped ball and helmets Americans are accustomed to. 

Houston-based media outlets reported that the 34-year-old and his wife, soccer player Kealia Watt, announced a formal investment in English football club Burnley FC on Monday.

Houston CW affiliate KIAH reported that the Watts, who just became first-time parents, are now minority investors in the Burnley, Lancashire, England-based franchise. 

The couple’s timing couldn’t have been any better as Burnley recently clinched the English Football League (EFL) championship, the station reported.

“America, allow me to introduce you to Burnley,” the 11th overall pick of the 2011 National Football League (NFL) Draft tweeted, according to KIAH.

Initially a maligned draft selection, the Wisconsin born and raised Watt emerged as one of the NFL’s most recognized players, with much of his prime having occurred when he wore a Texans uniform.

The three-time league Defensive Player of the Year concluded his career with the Cardinals. Kealia Watt has played for the U.S. women’s national soccer team (USNWT) and in the National Women's Soccer League, including the Houston Dash, Houston NPR affiliate Houston Public Media (HPM) reported.

Burnley’s legendary significance isn’t lost on Watt, who’s likely to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, sometime in the future.

"When you invest in a club that's been around since 1882, you must have great respect for its history and tradition," he said in a club-issued statement, HPM reported. "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."

According to the club, HPM reported, Kealia Watt will be involved in the development of Burnley’s women’s squad.