JJ Watt sets the record straight about playing for the Bengals, but there's a potential problem that could complicate things
JJ Watt may've been joking around originally, but he'll actually try to play for the Cincinnati Bengals next season if Burnley FC goalkeeper James Trafford keeps stacking clean sheets. Watt confirmed those plans while making an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show Tuesday. "I'll do it," Watt said bluntly. "If he does that, which is […]
JJ Watt may've been joking around originally, but he'll actually try to play for the Cincinnati Bengals next season if Burnley FC goalkeeper James Trafford keeps stacking clean sheets. Watt confirmed those plans while making an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show Tuesday.
"I'll do it," Watt said bluntly. "If he does that, which is insane, we have 12 or 13 games left. If he does it it's insane enough, and respectful, enough that I will go out there and follow through."
Watt said Burnley has received increased viewership and ratings from the Ohio region since his wager with Trafford went viral. Trafford has not surrendered a goal since December 21 against Watford.
It's still unlikely Trafford, who's one of a couple Bengals fans on the club, will maintain his perfect streak through the end of the season, but it's gone on far enough for Watt to seriously start planning a move to Cincinnati in the summer.
There's but a couple hurdles to get over before that could happen, aside from Trafford keeping up his end of the bargain.
JJ Watt's unsure if he can even sign with an NFL team
Watt stopped playing football following the 2022 NFL season. He concluded a two-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals that season, though the Cardinals had to restructure the deal to free up cap space. It left them with deferred cap hits in 2023 and 2024, and he earned $29 million of what was originally a $28 million deal.
Watt should be free to re-join the league with any team, but even he isn't sure that's the case.
"I don't even know. I didn't even think that far ahead," Watt said with a laugh. "How do you unretire? I never filed retirement paperwork. Do I have to file paperwork to get back in?"
There's also the Bengals, who would have to want Watt on their team in the first place.
"Who knows if they even want me," Watt said of the team. "I haven't talked to them, but I'm in shape. I can go play."
Even if it's just for offseason workouts or maybe even a preseason game, it would be cool to see the future Hall of Fame defensive lineman suit up for Cincinnati. Watt had some of his best playoff performances against the Bengals during the early days of his career. Now he's willing to push his potential Hall of Fame enshrinement back a few years to join them and honor his bet.
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