Luke Littler putting his stamp on America! NFL legend and Burnley co-owner JJ Watt joins US talk show hyping up 16-year-old darts star after his memorable run in World Darts Championship

The NFL legend, who is now a co-owner at Premier League side Burnley, has been an interested observer as 16-year-old darts sensation Littler has taken the sporting world by storm. The talented youngster made the final of the World Darts Championship – his first outing at a major senior tournament – before coming unstuck against the in-form Luke Humphries.

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News of Littler’s exploits has spread far and wide, with Watt joining the talk show hosted by fellow former NFL star Pat McAfee to discuss the most meteoric of rises to prominence. Watt is told that if Burnley were to piece together a professional darts then then Littler would be “the first pick” as he has become “an absolute sensation”.

Watt is becoming well versed in British culture, with a stake in Burnley acquired alongside his former USWNT star wife Kealia in May 2023. He has paid regular visits to the United Kingdom since then, but has not been spotted taking in live darts just yet – unlike Premier League stars such as Tottenham midfielder James Maddison.

Darts is beginning to branch out, having tried to crack America for many years – with various events being held in Las Vegas – and Littler’s remarkable story should help to break down more walls as interest in his sporting fairytale builds on both sides of the Atlantic.