Former NFL great J.J. Watt required only a single game to know the rollercoaster of feelings of being an Espanyol fan.
A co-owner of the club now, Watt lived the perico life for real as Sunday’s comeback win against Atlético de Madrid in La Liga ended.
Immersed in the Fan Experience
Well before the whistle was blown, Watt had already immersed himself in the RCDE Stadium atmosphere. Cameras and supporters caught him in the fan zone outside the stadium, having a pre-match beer with Espanyol fans. Very much not a detached investor, Watt mixed with the public as chants rang out across the stadium. He soon put the moment on social media, sharing a video with the words: “Vamos, Espanyol!!!”.
The ex-Houston Texans defensive end has a history of being incredibly intense on the field, and he applied that same level of passion to his debut match as a perico. Upon entering the stadium, he cheered, clapped, and celebrated just like a diehard fan. His most intense reaction was when Pere Milla scored Espanyol’s winning second goal, securing three vital points.
Watt’s Emotional Message to Fans
Post the match, Watt went on X (previously Twitter) to share his thoughts on his debut as a member of Espanyol’s family.
“Tonight we witnessed the best of the Pericos. We witnessed what is possible when the team and the fans unite. One heartbeat. One mission,” he wrote. “All the best to you all for the welcome. You treated us like home from the very beginning. Many more pregame beers in the future.”
Watt acknowledged he will not be able to make it to another game until February, as a result of the NFL broadcasting schedule in the States. Nevertheless, he vowed to remain connected to the club “in spirit, energy, and passion.”
A New Era at Espanyol
Watt is not the only one in this new era. He was at the match along with Alan Pace, the figurehead of Velocity Sports Limited, the parent company that recently purchased Espanyol. They announced a new era of global engagement and ambition for the Catalan club together.
For Watt, this night was not just an investment in business—it was an initiation into culture. From beers with the fans to a pulsating victory on the field, the NFL legend’s initial exposure to Espanyol left him wanting more.
As he summarized: “Thank you for an unforgettable opening night. One that I will never forget. Força Mágico Espanyol!”
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
