J.J. Watt and Pat McAfee take to the soccer field together in North Carolina… a day after NFL legend vouched for ESPN star in Caitlin Clark ‘white b****’ row

JJ Watt and Pat McAfee tried their hand at soccer on Wednesday when the pair of ex-NFL players took the field during The Soccer Tournament.

Burnley co-owner Watt was representing the Clarets and tried to wreak havoc with his huge frame when he crashed into defenders during a second-half cameo.

The former Texans defenseman, who described himself before the game as a “cherry-picking” striker, even broke free for a one-on-one with the opposing goalie, only to see his shot saved.

Burnley lost the match 7-3 to Nati SC, although Watt seemed to be in reasonable spirits after the match.

As he left the pitch, he greeted his parents – who both wore his name on a Clarets shirt – in a heartwarming moment.

Pat McAfee told Mail Sport he was glad he ‘didn’t tear anything’ after playing

Watt threw his huge frame around for Burnley and tried to win some headers up front

He also stuck around to sign autographs.

McAfee, meanwhile, saw his CONCAFA SC lose 4-1 to Reggae Rovers, despite his side recruiting former USMNT stars Geoff Cameron and Brek Shea.

He told Mail Sport after the match that he was just glad he “didn’t tear anything”, and later joked during a live taping of his ESPN show on location in North Carolina that he had not touched the ball.

With a large crowd gathered to watch McAfee’s show, Watt joined him on stage as the program started and the fans loved them both. Some even wore gamblers’ former Indianapolis Colts jerseys.

McAfee’s appearance at the tournament comes in the midst of a controversial week for his show, after he called Caitlin Clark a “white b***h” live on air in a strange defense of the WNBA rookie.

The ESPN host later apologized for his comments about X, while Watt vouched for his friend’s character during TST’s media day on Tuesday.

“I didn’t see the whole segment,” Watt said. “I guess Pat has always been very complimentary [of women’s sports]I know he has tickets to the Fever games.

JJ Watt walked off the pitch to see his parents wearing his name on a Burnley shirt

Watt joined McAfee on his ESPN show on Wednesday after the pair both played football

Caitlin Clark has dominated headlines after being harshly targeted by Chennedy Carter

He later continued, “I think it’s always good to see more light shined on those sports. And I think people are definitely wading through the water and trying to do it the right way.”

The pair recorded the show just steps away from football legend Sergio Aguero, whose self-styled team lost 6-3 right behind them.

The retired forward almost collided with an opponent during a tense second half

McAfee and Watt face off on Thursday, with the latter seeing a familiar face on Wednesday as former Bengals receiver Chad Johnson also lined up for Nati SC.