03 August 2023 , 15:17
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Former NFL superstar JJ Watt has responded to Tom Brady following in his footsteps after the seven-time Super Bowl champion became a minority investor in Championship club Birmingham City.
Brady, widely regarded as the greatest quarterback of all-time, had a number of close games against Watt, one of the greatest defensive players of all-time, over the past 10 years. And the pair both called time on their illustrious careers at the end of the 2022 season.
Following his retirement, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Watt became a successful entrepreneur in the US, alongside his wife, Kealia, a former USWNT international soccer player. The couple announcing that they had become minority owners in Burnley - who were promoted to the Premier League in May.
And after becoming aware of Brady's involvement with Birmingham, Watt tweeted: "Well well well, what do we have here… Happy for you, wishing Birmingham all the best and hope to see you in the PL real soon! Up The Clarets!"
Brady responded: "Football (shaking hands emoji) Football."
Tom Brady announces retirement from NFL "for good" after 23 seasons
Watt has already been seen at a number of games in Burnley, and has promised to have a hands on approach with the team, pledging to work with the community and local council to achieve aspiring goals which the club has set.
The retired defensive star is expected to offer guidance around marketing and growing the Premier League club as an international brand - especially in north America.
JJ Watt sent a message to Brady who followed in his footstepsBrady - who took on a similar role with NFL franchise Las Vegas Raiders earlier this summer - is expected to have a very similar role to Watt with Birmingham, as a minority owner - unlike Reynolds and McElhenney at Wrexham who are the majority owners.
Brady is likely to be hands-on role with the club, and will appear at Birmingham City's St. Andrew's stadium in the coming weeks.
The 46-year-old will work along with the the sports science department to advise on health, nutrition, wellness, and recovery systems and programmes, something that Brady prioritised later in his career, starting his own TB12 company - a branded guide for health and nutrition.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Brady said: "Birmingham City is an iconic club with so much history and passion and to be part of the Blues is a real honour for me. BCFC is built on teamwork and determination and I’m excited to work alongside the board, management and players to make our Second City club second to none.
"I’ve been part of some amazing teams in my day, and I’m looking forward to applying my perspective to create that same success here in Birmingham."