J.J. Watt’s potential return to the Cincinnati Bengals hinges on a unique wager he made with Burnley’s talented goalie, James Trafford. The deal stipulates that if Trafford can maintain a clean sheet for the rest of the season, Watt will come out of retirement to don the Bengals’ uniform.
As the season progresses, Watt seems to be feeling the pressure of this promise. He humorously shared on X that he is “heading to the gym,” as Trafford has impressively kept opponents at bay, not conceding a single goal in Burnley’s last 12 league matches.
During this remarkable run, Burnley has climbed to third place in the English Football League Championship, boasting a record of 18 wins, 14 draws, and 2 losses, amassing a total of 68 points. With 12 matches left to play, the prospect of Watt returning to the gridiron is becoming increasingly real, as he has even begun exploring housing options in Cincinnati.
Trafford, now in his second season with Burnley, has demonstrated exceptional skill, saving 63 out of 72 shots faced this season, resulting in an impressive save percentage of 87.5%.
Though Watt’s comments may be lighthearted, his potential addition could significantly bolster a Bengals defense that underperformed last season. The unit allowed an average of 223.5 passing yards (ranking 21st in the NFL), 124.8 rushing yards (19th), and 25.5 points per game (tied for 25th).
A former three-time Defensive Player of the Year and five-time All-Pro, Watt has an impressive NFL résumé, including leading the league in sacks twice and accumulating 114.5 sacks and 27 forced fumbles over his 151-game career. After spending the first decade with the Houston Texans, he concluded his career with the Arizona Cardinals.
The next challenge for Trafford and Burnley will be against Preston NE on March 1, as they continue their pursuit of excellence on the pitch.
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