In a recent social media incident, retired National Football League (NFL) star JJ Watt expressed his disappointment after Major League Soccer (MLS) team Real Salt Lake failed to recognise his wife, Kealia Watt, in a promotional post. The couple attended an exhibition match on July 15, 2023, in Sandy, Utah, to support Burnley FC, a British football club in which they became minority investors earlier that year.
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JJ and Kealia Watt arrived at the game with their son, Koa, demonstrating their support for Burnley, who was facing Real Salt Lake. The MLS club welcomed the Watts enthusiastically, posting a photograph of the family on X, formerly known as Twitter, with a message saying, “Welcome to the Riot, @JJWatt and fam 🤩.” However, the absence of a mention of Kealia, a celebrated soccer player in her own right, did not go unnoticed by her husband.
In a critical response, JJ Watt took to social media to address this oversight. He highlighted Kealia’s impressive achievements, stating, “The woman in the photo grew up literally down the road, won four Utah state championships (one in this exact stadium), Gatorade Player of the Year twice, National Player of the Year, [and] scored the fastest first goal in USWNT history…” He concluded his post with the remark, “Could probably be worth a mention, but idk.” This pointed commentary underscores the lingering issue of female athletes often being overshadowed, even within their own families or social circles.
Watt’s response ignited discussions online about the representation of women in sports. One of his social media followers pointed out that JJ had also failed to include Kealia’s name in his initial post. In a subsequent response, he referenced an earlier message where he highlighted Kealia’s accomplishments, sharing a photograph of the family on the field and mentioning “Showing Koa where mum won her 4th straight state championship.”
The Watts invested in Burnley FC in May 2023, a move they expressed was rooted in respect for the club’s rich history dating back to 1882. They explained their dedication not only to the team but also to the local community, stating they understood the responsibility that came with their investment. “We take that responsibility very seriously and intend to work hard in earning their trust and support,” the couple commented at the time.
Despite their investment in Burnley FC, which recently suffered relegation from the Premier League in April, JJ Watt conveyed a strong commitment to the team’s objectives. In a local interview with KSL, he commented on the surreal experience of being in the stadium with his family, saying, “I always knew after I was done playing that I wanted to get into ownership; this was a natural step.”
The incident with Real Salt Lake has brought to light a broader conversation regarding the recognition of female athletes. Even though Kealia Watt is celebrated in her home state of Utah, her contributions continue to be overlooked within the broader sports community. This raises questions about visibility and support for women in sports, particularly in a country where women’s soccer has gained significant traction in recent years.
JJ’s candid remarks highlight his advocacy for his wife and for broader recognition of women in sports. While the moment may have gone unnoticed by some, it serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging the accomplishments of all athletes, regardless of gender.
As the world of sports continues to evolve, the Watts’ roles as investors may allow them to promote a more inclusive environment within the sport. Fans and observers will likely keep a close watch on how their involvement influences perceptions and support for female athletes, particularly those like Kealia, who have made substantial contributions to their sports.
The Watts’ presence in Burnley FC and their commitment to enhancing its global profile reflect their long-term vision for not just the club but also for soccer in general, where mutual respect and recognition should, ideally, extend to all athletes, regardless of their gender.