Jamie Carragher flattened by NFL legend JJ Watt live on Sky Sports

11 August 2023 , 19:14

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Jamie Carragher was tackled by JJ Watt before Burnley vs Man City (Image: Sky Sports)

One of the best pass-rushers in the history of the NFL, JJ Watt, flattened Jamie Carragher during the pre-game festivities ahead of the Premier League season opener.

Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, announced his retirement last year and has become a successful entrepreneur alongside Kealia, a former USWNT international soccer player. The couple have invested in Burnley after their promotion back to the Premier League.

And Watt spoke to the Sky Sports team prior to the kick-off, with Carragher asking if he could attempt a pass with him as a defensive player. Watt joked: "I will happily tackle you, Jamie!," after Carragher agreed to be the quarterback attempting a pass to Gary Neville.

Neville, playing wide receiver with Carragher at quarterback and was left in hysterics at the incident as Watt quickly ran at the former Liverpool defender and tackled him.

Watt and Carragher were all smiles after, as Kelly Cates, said: "Only someone who’s properly talented can do that and not injure Jamie… but the crowd certainly enjoyed it."

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"The pitch is ruined, I hope I didn’t break a rib… send me the bill,” joked Watt. ‘I know one of your goals is to get eyes on Burnley and I’m certain that’s something that will do that on social media,” laughed Cates.

Watt has been seen at a number of Burnley games since becoming a minority owner towards the end of last season, and told fans why he wanted to invest the club.

In a statement, Watt said: "When you invest in a club that’s been around since 1882, you must have great respect for its history and tradition. We understand that not only are we investing in the squad and manager, we’re investing in the town and its people. We take this responsibility very seriously and intend to work hard in earning their trust and support.

We have such great respect for what has been built here by Alan, Vincent and the entire organisation and are looking forward to working with them. We believe that Burnley is a special club with incredible supporters and we want to help continue to elevate its global profile on its return to the Premier League.”

Burnley's first game back in the Premier League sees manager Vincent Kompany going up against his former team, with City the huge favourites to win the league for a fourth consecutive season this year.

Charlie Wilson