​NFL analyst and former defensive end JJ Watt confirmed on X that he will be in attendance when FC Cincinnati hosts Burnley FC, the storied English club, in an international friendly set for July 10 at TQL Stadium. In a message that resonated across Cincinnati, Watt wrote simply, “Cincinnati, see you Friday night,” signaling his enthusiasm for the upcoming event. Accompanying the tweet was a brief video in which Watt praised the TQL Stadium experience and the reputation of Cincinnati’s supporters. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about TQL Stadium and about Cincinnati supporters,” he said. “I’ve heard they’re a crazy fanbase, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing it for myself.” Watt’s visit to Cincinnati isn’t just about the game; it’s also a homecoming of sorts for the athlete and his family.
Watt has long-standing ties to the Burnley organization. After retiring from the NFL following a 12-season career, he and his wife, Kealia Watt, who had an eight-season run in the National Women’s Soccer League, became minority owners of Burnley. Watt’s affinity for the English club has been well documented, and his plans to attend the Cincinnati-Burnley match underscore the enduring alignment between Watt and Burnley as he balances his post-NFL life with new roles in the world of soccer and sports ownership.
In a broader arc of Watt’s public commentary and social media activity, his presence at TQL Stadium carries additional significance for supporters in Cincinnati. The Watt family’s connection to Burnley, and their investment in the club, has kept Watt in frequent contact with Burnley’s ventures and schedule. Watt’s enthusiasm for attending the July 10 friendly also dovetails with his desire to engage with the Cincinnati fan base and to experience firsthand the atmosphere that makes TQL Stadium a fixture on the national soccer scene.
On the field in recent years, Watt’s influence has extended beyond his playing days. His open expressions about Cincinnati—ranging from his admiration for the city’s culinary scene to the fervor of its fans—have helped amplify a cross-sport appeal between NFL culture and the growing interest in MLS and international friendlies hosted in the United States. Watt’s public statements included playful notes about Cincinnati favorites, such as a nod to Graeter’s ice cream and Montgomery Inn barbecue, while also acknowledging the city’s revered Skyline Chili—albeit with a humorous disclaimer that he would pass on the chili in favor of other local treats.
The timeline surrounding Watt’s relationship with Cincinnati includes past moments that only add to the anticipation ahead of the Burnley-Cincinnati match. Watt and Kealia became Burnley minority owners after Watt’s NFL retirement, a move that positioned him at the intersection of American sports and European football culture. In the months leading up to Watt’s latest visit, there were moments when Watt addressed the Bengals’ front-office negotiations and the broader dynamics of player movement and contract discussions within professional football, reflecting his ongoing engagement with the business side of sports.
As Watt gears up for his cameo attendance at TQL Stadium, fans will be keen to see how his presence shapes the atmosphere for what promises to be a well-attended and culturally rich international friendly. The event represents more than just a preseason showcase; it is a convergence of NFL legend-turned-owner interests, MLS-adjacent soccer excitement, and the growing trend of cross-border fan engagement that makes events like FC Cincinnati’s July 10 game against Burnley stand out on the calendar.
In addition to Watt’s anticipated appearance, the matchup has drawn attention for the potential cross-pollination of fan bases and the broader implications for the Cincinnati sports scene. Watt’s personal connection to Burnley, his public affection for Cincinnati, and his readiness to explore the city’s culinary landscape add layers of narrative to the event. Supporters are expected to flock to TQL Stadium to cheer on Burnley while also welcoming Watt in a dual role as a beloved football figure and minority owner of the visiting English club.
The note from Watt, simply stating, “Cincinnati, see you Friday night,” captures the sense of excitement behind what could be a landmark moment for Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium as the site of a high-profile international friendly. It isn’t just about the game; it’s about a gathering of sports cultures, a moment of cross-sport camaraderie, and Watt’s ongoing journey from the NFL gridiron to the executive suites and sideline moments that accompany Burnley’s American chapter. Fans will be watching closely to see how Watt’s enthusiasm translates into the day’s atmosphere, as Cincinnati welcomes Burnley and Watt to a memorable night at TQL Stadium.