JJ Watt Ready to Honor Bet and Play for Bengals, But James Trafford Must Hold Up His End of the Bargain

The saga continues.

Former Arizona Cardinals player J.J. Watt talks with senior reconditioning coordinator Buddy Morris before their game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 3, 2024. | Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

CINCINNATI — NFL legend JJ Watt continues to say he'll play for the Bengals under one condition: his bet with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

Watt agreed to play for the Bengals if Trafford doesn't allow a goal the rest of the season in the English Championship League.

Trafford is a big Bengals fan.

It’s not a question of if I can, or even if I want to. Watching these clips has me ready to suit up right now. Gamedays aren’t the reason you retire. Monday mornings are," Watt tweeted on Friday. "But I will honor my deal with Traff if he accomplishes this incredible feat."

"I'll do it," Watt said on the Dan Patrick Show earlier this month. "If he does that, which is insane, we have 12 or 13 games left. If he does it it's insane enough and respectful enough that I will go out there and follow through. Who knows if they even want me? I haven't talked to them, but I'm in shape I'll go play."

He is a five-time All-Pro and three-time Defensive Player of the Year and finished his final season (2022) with a 68.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. He had 12.5 sacks for the Cardinals in 2022. Check out the interview below:

Haha I love ya Baldy!

It’s not a question of if I can, or even if I want to. Watching these clips has me ready to suit up right now.

Gamedays aren’t the reason you retire.
Monday mornings are 😂

(But I will honor my deal with Traff if he accomplishes this incredible feat) https://t.co/I2hF8b7Gjx

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) February 28, 2025

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