How NFL stars J.J. Watt, Pat McAfee and Chad Ochocinco fared in group stage at TST

The ESPN media personality was a genuine surprise to fans attending The Soccer Tournament in Cary, N.C. - and news dropped that the former Indianapolis Colt punter's background in the sport may be why.

McAfee revealed that when he was younger, he competed in ODP Soccer (Olympic Development Program) with teammate Mike Grella.

The duo combined on what is widely considered as the best goal across the group stage, with McAfee notching an outrageous assist.

Concafa SC is on to the knockout rounds, and McAfee played a role in getting them over the line.

The ex-Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver hyped up his preparations for the tournament for months, but upon arrival he failed to make an impact for his club.

Still, the 46-year-old former NFL wide receiver did play an integral part during the Group Stage. He featured in all three matches, despite seeing his side crash out in the Group Stage.

Nati SC went 1-2 through their three matches, and ended their third and final match with a 5-1 loss to Reggae Rovers.

The 6-5 former defensive lineman and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year lined up for the Clarets at the striker position, featuring in all three matches - all of which were losses.

Watt and his squad leave TST with their heads held high, though, as the NFL legend drew an enormous crowd, was a fan favorite and came up with one of the highlights of the tournament.

In his debut match, the 35-year-old accidentally crashed into the opposition goalkeeper, mimicking an NFL-style tackle.

Despite a poor showing on the pitch, Watt proved a lot of doubters wrong, taking the pitch and showing that a player of his size could land an impact in the squad.

Ochocinco and Nati SC suffered elimination alongside Watt and Burnley FC, but the latter still has a reason to stick around. His wife - Kealia Watt - is set to make her TST debut on Friday morning, playing for the Clarets women's team.

McAfee, meanwhile, will take the pitch in a knockout match Friday night.