Burnley minority owner JJ Watt lifts the lid on drinking beer and playing poker with Vincent Kompany’s players during title celebrations: ‘Those are the moments that make it so special’

JJ Watt has revealed he was drawn to playing poker and drinking beer with Burnley’s players after their championship title last season.

Watt, who is still just 34, headed to Lancashire for the parade to toast their title-winning campaign under Vincent Kompany.

He was reunited with the Burnley manager for a chat Men in blazers This week, Watt opened up about the conflict of dealing with players of the same age – while technically being their boss.

“A few months ago, during the parade, I walked in – now obviously I’m part of the ownership group, I’m not a player anymore – and all the guys were getting ready for the parade,” he said.

Burnley supporters lined the streets to celebrate the club winning the championship title

“Ashley Barnes plays poker around a table, he drinks beers with the guys. He said, “JJ, come on, sit down!”

“So I sit down and say, ‘OK, I’m in the ownership group, but I’m still the same age as Ashley and I’m a player through and through.’ So we start playing cards a bit, I’m having a beer and he says, “Come on, we’re going by bus!”

“So we go on, go to the parade and I’m thinking, ‘Should I enjoy this and have fun or not?’ But those are the moments that make it so special – that day, that parade, everything about that. You could tell the team was so special.”

Kompany now leads Burnley in the Premier League. They sit bottom of the table and have lost all three of their opening games since winning promotion.

The former NFL player enjoyed a chat with Burnley manager Vincent Kompany

Watt asked the Belgian if there were any aspects of the NFL or other sports that he would like to bring to football.

“There’s a lot I still want to learn, but attention to detail, hours of education for the players – I think you put a lot more time into the classroom than we do,” Kompany said.

“There are other things that are very healthy in football that we need to preserve, but I definitely think there is still a level to come in terms of players dedicating their day to the job.”

Watt is already planning another reunion with the manager. “I’m going to come to Belgium one day and we’re going to do a waffle tour,” he said. “That will be our next show together.”