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“I hope I Didn’t Break a Rib” – NFL Legend Tackles Former Liverpool Star as His Soccer Star Wife Watches On

Published 08/12/2023, 5:28 AM EDT

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If you are a both football and soccer fan then there’s a double treat for you. An incident has gone viral between former NFL and Liverpool star just moments before the 2023/24 Premier League’s kickoff clash between Burnley and Manchester City. JJ Watt, NFL legend and Burnley minority owner has left everyone in splits with his sense of humor.

When NFL pass rusher met Premier League defender 

Picture this: JJ Watt, renowned for his phenomenal pass-rushing prowess in the NFL, decided to add a twist to the pre-game festivities of the Burnley vs. Man City Premier League opener. Watt, who retired from professional football last year, has ventured into the world of entrepreneurship alongside his wife Kealia, a former USWNT international soccer player. Together, they’ve invested in Burnley, which recently returned to the Premier League after their promotion.

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Before the match, Watt took a light-hearted detour to chat with the Sky Sports team. It was during this interaction that Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender and football pundit, proposed an audacious idea. Carragher challenged Watt, now an owner but still a sportsman at heart, to tackle him on the pitch.

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With a hearty chuckle, Watt playfully accepted Carragher’s dare, promising to put his tackling skills to the test. The stage was set for a moment that would have everyone talking.

In a twist that no one saw coming, Carragher grabbed the role of quarterback while his colleague and former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville lined up as the wide receiver. As Carragher got ready to make a pass, Watt wasted no time. Like a bolt of lightning, he sprinted towards Carragher and pulled off a tackle that left everyone wide-eyed.

Neville, usually known for his insightful football analysis, couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the spectacle. The stadium erupted with cheers as the unexpected tackle turned into an unforgettable highlight of the day.

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Laughs and jokes amidst the dust

With dust kicked up from the tackle, Watt and Carragher emerged with ear-to-ear grins. The Sky Sports presenter, Kelly Cates, quipped, “Only someone who’s properly talented can do that and not injure Jamie… but the crowd certainly enjoyed it.” Watt, ever the joker, chimed in, “The pitch is ruined, I hope I didn’t break a rib… send me the bill.

Cates playfully acknowledged Watt’s humor, highlighting how such moments become instant hits on social media, making everyone’s day a bit brighter.

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JJ Watt‘s association with Burnley goes beyond the tackle. As a minority owner, he’s been spotted at several Burnley games, sharing the passion of the fans and embracing the rich history of the club. He expressed his respect for Burnley’s legacy, acknowledging that their investment is not just in the team but in the entire town and its people.

In his own words, “We have such great respect for what has been built here by Alan, Vincent, and the entire organization and are looking forward to working with them. We believe that Burnley is a special club with incredible supporters and we want to help continue to elevate its global profile on its return to the Premier League.

But Watt’s team will have to buckle up as Man City comfortably defeated them 3-0 in the match afterward. Yes, it was always going to be an uphill task to upset the defending champions. But he would surely like to see a better display of soccer skills from his players.

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So, there you have it – a Premier League opener that started with a twist! What do you make of Watt’s tackle? And do you think Carragher will need some medical attention after that tackle? Share your thoughts below!

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Written by:

Kumar Rohan

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Kumar Rohan is a writer at EssentiallySports who covers Sports Viral Moments. He is a sports journalist with a knack for writing. His sports expertise comes in handy when he breaks down events skilfully, in his own style.
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Edited by:

Priyadarshini Ajay