Burnley’s Trafford thrives since joking settlement with J.J. Watt

Burnley FC partial proprietor J.J. Watt might need gotten greater than he bargained for when he made a joking promise to goalkeeper James Trafford — however the membership is prospering due to it.

Again in December, Trafford — a Cincinnati Bengals fan — reached out to Watt with a long-shot request: Would the previous All-Professional defensive finish think about popping out of retirement to play for Cincinnati? Watt responded with an equally unlikely preposition — if Trafford went the remainder of the season with out conceding a aim, he’d do it.

Trafford had put collectively a powerful season to that time, having allowed simply 9 targets in 22 league begins. However ending the season with out conceding one other? Ludicrous.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper stored a clear sheet the following day in a 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough. He then posted three extra in his subsequent three begins, with Watt acknowledging the wager on social media following a powerful outing in opposition to Sunderland, wherein Trafford saved a pair of late penalty kicks.

That is beginning to change into a little bit of a priority… pic.twitter.com/MrOdjRz2En

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 18, 2025

Since his heroics in opposition to Sunderland, Trafford has made seven extra begins … and nonetheless has but to concede a aim. All advised, he has performed just below 1,000 minutes with out permitting a aim since Watt made his counteroffer.

Watt, out of both humor or curiosity in providing extra motivation to his membership’s younger backstop, hasn’t backed down from his finish of the settlement — jokingly posting about going to the fitness center and researching houses in Cincinnati after Burnley’s most up-to-date clear sheet in opposition to Sheffield Wednesday.

Did not suppose we would make it this far… pic.twitter.com/vvzXbbolfK

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 22, 2025

Trafford nonetheless has an extended method to go earlier than forcing Watt out of retirement, although. Burnley nonetheless has a minimal of 12 extra league matches on their schedule earlier than their Championship marketing campaign ends.

The overlap between Burnley and Bengals followers seemingly is not particularly giant. However, with the membership at the moment sitting in third place within the league desk, supporters will little question be hoping additional impressed play by Trafford can assist the Clarets push for promotion — and assist Cincinnati beef up its defensive position.