JJ Watt has revealed he has spoken to Ryan Reynolds about the challenge of investing in football following his arrival at Burnley.
Newly-retired NFL player Watt recently became a minority stakeholder in the Championship title winners alongside wife Kealia, a former USWNT player.
The move has clear parallels with Reynolds’ and fellow Hollywood actor, Rob McElhenney’s takeover of Wrexham back in 2020.
The pair have overseen a period of huge success with the Welsh club culminating with last month’s promotion back to the Football League for the first time in 15 years.
Watt admits that Reynolds and McElhenney’s achievements were inspirational and has revealed that a chat with Reynolds also provided some invaluable insights into how to tackle his new project.
“The number one thing Ryan said was recognising the tribalism in football,” Watt tells The Athletic.
Reynolds’ arrival at Wrexham has proved a huge success (Photo: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
“It’s different from American sports. It is a tribal loyalty that is rarely found in other sports or supporter bases.
“He told me I had to respect and honour that history and tradition and do right by that group otherwise you will lose them before you start.
“It’s been fun to watch him and Rob do it…
