NFL Star JJ Watt Calls Out MLS Team for Omitting Soccer Star Wife Kealia Watt in Social Media Post

Former NFL defensive lineman JJ Watt and his family were in attendance at the exhibition match between Burnley F.C. and Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, July 15. The British club, which the couple invested in as minority owners in May 2023, played in the EFL Championship match against the Major League Soccer team in Sandy, Utah. Watt's family, including his wife Kealia Watt and their son Koa, were welcomed to the game by Real Salt Lake with a photo posted on their social media account, which only mentioned JJ Watt by name.

In a tweet, Watt expressed his disappointment that his wife, a former star player for the North Carolina Tar Heels and a local hometown hero in Draper, Utah, was not mentioned in the post. Kealia Watt has achieved numerous accolades in Utah, including four Utah state championships, two Gatorade Player of the Year awards, the National Player of the Year award, and setting the fastest first goal in US Women's National Team history. Watt jokingly asked if her achievements could be 'worth a mention,' highlighting her impressive credentials.

The Watt family attended the game to support Burnley F.C. in their exhibition match against Real Salt Lake. The British club has a rich history, dating back to 1882, and the couple expressed their respect for the team's tradition and legacy. They also emphasized their commitment to working hard to earn the trust and support of the club's fans and the local community. In their initial statement, the couple stated, 'When you invest in a club that's been around since 1882, you must have great respect for its history and tradition. We understand that not only are we investing in the squad and manager, we're investing in the town and its people.'

Burnley F.C. was relegated from the Premier League in April 2023, according to ESPN. The team's relegation came as a disappointment to the club and its fans. However, the team's ownership is optimistic about the club's future, with plans to return to the Premier League and continue to elevate its global profile. JJ Watt, a keen football enthusiast, told local outlet KSL, 'I always knew after I was done playing that I wanted to get into ownership.' He added, 'This was a natural step. Being here, with [Kealia], in this stadium, is pretty surreal.'

The absence of Kealia Watt's name in the Real Salt Lake social media post sparked a conversation about the importance of acknowledging and recognizing the achievements of wives and partners of public figures. Watt's followers responded to his tweet, with one responding that he also omitted her name in an earlier post. Watt's reply included a link to his previous post, which showcased their family's time on the field, including photos of Kealia Watt's accomplishments.

The incident highlights the significance of recognizing the contributions and achievements of female partners of athletes and public figures. Kealia Watt is an accomplished soccer player, and her husband's acknowledgment of her achievements demonstrates his appreciation for her hard work and dedication. As the couple continues to support Burnley F.C. and invest in its future, Kealia Watt's role as a dedicated partner and mother is equally important.

In the context of the NFL and soccer, the Watt family's involvement in Burnley F.C. represents a new era of collaboration between the two sports. Their investment in the club and their commitment to supporting the team's growth and development underscore the growing interest in football (soccer) in the United States and the potential for cross-cultural exchange between the two sports.