Watt, the former NFL defensive superstar, is known for his playful personality and larger-than-life presence both on and off the field. Recently, Watt found himself in the midst of an unusual situation involving Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. The two athletes made a friendly bet that has sparked a lot of attention, and Watt is now “concerned” about the outcome as he contemplates a potential return to the NFL. Here’s what went down and why Watt is worried about the challenge.
The Bet: A Friendly Challenge Between Athletes
JJ Watt and James Trafford, two athletes from different sports, recently made a bet that has raised eyebrows. The wager centers around Watt coming out of retirement to play for an NFL team, but there’s a twist. Trafford, a promising young goalkeeper in the Premier League with Burnley, has challenged Watt to return to the field — not just for one game, but for a full season.
In typical Watt fashion, the former defensive end accepted the challenge, but he’s now expressing concern as the implications of the bet start to sink in. While Watt has always been one to take on challenges, the physical toll that an NFL season can take on an athlete, especially someone who’s been out of the league for a few years, has him second-guessing his decision.
Watt’s NFL Retirement: The Decision to Step Away
Watt officially retired from the NFL in January 2023 after an illustrious 12-season career. Known for his dominance on the field, particularly as a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Watt decided to walk away while still at the top of his game. His retirement marked the end of a storied career with the Houston Texans and the Arizona Cardinals.
Throughout his career, Watt was lauded for his intense work ethic, physicality, and leadership. However, after years of battling injuries and seeing his body take a beating on the field, Watt felt it was time to step away from the game and focus on his future endeavors, including charity work and personal projects. But the recent bet with Trafford has brought up some questions about his decision to retire.
JJ Watt’s Growing Concern Over the Challenge
As the wager with James Trafford started to gain more attention, Watt’s excitement shifted to concern. The physical demands of an NFL season — especially after being out of the league for a couple of years — are no small feat. In a recent interview, Watt admitted that he’s now “concerned” about the potential for injury, the toll on his body, and whether he still has what it takes to play at a high level.
“I’ve been out for a year, and honestly, my body feels a lot different than it did when I was in the game,” Watt explained. “I’m 35 now, and the idea of going back into an NFL season after such a long break is a little daunting. That’s a brutal sport, and I don’t take that lightly.”
While Watt has stayed active and fit since retiring, training for a return to the NFL is a different animal. The speed and intensity of the game would require him to be in top shape, and he’s well aware of the physical risks involved.
James Trafford: The Keeper with Big Expectations
James Trafford, a young and talented goalkeeper for Burnley, certainly knows how to talk a bit of trash, but his bet with Watt isn’t just about fun and games. Trafford has long been a fan of American football and has admired Watt’s career from a distance. The goalkeeper has been quite vocal about his challenge, making it clear that he expects Watt to honor his end of the bargain if things go south.
“JJ is one of my heroes, so when I threw out the challenge, I was half-joking and half-serious. But I know he’s a competitor at heart, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he took me up on it,” Trafford said with a smile.
While the bet may have started as a lighthearted challenge, it’s clear that Trafford is eager to see if Watt has the courage and physical ability to return to the gridiron. Whether Trafford genuinely believes Watt will come out of retirement or he’s simply trying to get into the mind of a former NFL great, the bet has definitely sparked a bit of a media frenzy.
The Reality of Watt’s Return: Will He Really Come Back?
While the idea of Watt returning to the NFL sounds intriguing to some fans, it’s not as simple as it may seem. Watt is not just any former player; he’s a man who has already given so much to the sport and has achieved everything a player could dream of. For Watt, the question of returning is more about his love for the game versus his health and the reality of what it would take to step back onto the field.
His return would undoubtedly bring a surge of excitement and media attention, but it would also require intense preparation. Even if Watt does decide to make a comeback, it could take months of training and rehabilitation to get his body back to an NFL-ready condition. There’s also the question of whether a team would be willing to sign him given the physical demands and potential risks of bringing a 35-year-old former star back into the fold.
What Does the Future Hold for JJ Watt?
Watt’s future in football remains uncertain. While he’s made it clear that he’s enjoying life after retirement, the allure of a challenge — especially one as unique as this bet with Trafford — may be enough to make him consider a comeback. However, for now, Watt’s focus seems to be on managing his post-NFL life, including spending time with his family, running his charitable foundation, and exploring other ventures.
In the end, whether or not Watt makes a return to the NFL for a single season remains up in the air. But one thing is certain: The bet with James Trafford has given fans and the media plenty to talk about, and it’s reminded everyone just how competitive and driven Watt truly is — even in retirement.
Until Watt officially announces his decision, fans will just have to wait and see if the former NFL star takes the plunge and tackles this challenge head-on. If he does, one thing’s for sure: it will be one of the most talked-about stories in sports.
