Burnley may have faced relegation from the Premier League last season, yet they’ve made an impressive splash by unveiling their new away kit for the 2026-27 season, featuring one of the club’s co-owners, an undeniable NFL superstar.
J.J. Watt, who took on a minority ownership role at Turf Moor in 2023, has significantly enhanced the club’s global visibility. However, the former Houston Texans star likely didn’t anticipate that being part of The Clarets would lead him to deliver milk throughout the town of Burnley.
Burnley’s new cream-colored kit has been showcased through a charming video featuring Watt, which pays tribute to Burnley, its club, and the passionate supporters.
– Premier League 2026-27 kits: Ranking every jersey released
– Bee-autiful! Haaland reveals Manchester City’s new 2026-27 away kit
– Experiencing World Cup withdrawal? Explore the greatest kits in tournament history
Taking center stage, the five-time Pro Bowl player drives a vintage-style milk float through Burnley, harkening back to his nickname “The Milk Man,” awarded to him for his reliable performance on the field.
True to this nickname, Watt cruised around town, passing numerous local landmarks and pubs, and meeting various notable residents and Clarets fans along the way—including cricket legend Jimmy Anderson, entrepreneur Dave Fishwick, and Stan Ternent, who both played for and managed the club.
“From the very beginning, I wanted the kit to be more than just a standard football shirt. My goal was to capture the essence of Burnley,” Watt remarked about his involvement in the kit’s design. “Every choice we made revolved around the question: Are we honoring the supporters of this club?”
“As I frequently say, this club has a rich history that predates my arrival, and it will continue long after I’m gone. During my time here, my aim is to respect its storied past while guiding it toward a bright future.”
A prominent aspect of the kit is the revival of the iconic Burnley “coat of arms” crest, reinstated after fans expressed a wish to see it return.
The crest, featuring two lions, a worker bee, and the red rose of Lancashire, has graced the team’s shirts since the late 1970s and was a staple throughout the 1980s, until it was replaced by a modern shield design in 2009 as the club moved up to the Premier League.
“Restoring this legendary crest was crucial to me, not only for its significance to our supporters but also because I am a huge fan of it myself,” Watt added. “This shirt represents the people of Burnley, and I hope they recognize the thought and care behind every detail. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve created together and I hope it will be worn with honor for years to come.”
The away jersey features a pattern inspired by the Elizabethan stonework of Gawthorpe Hall, a 16th-century country house that towers over Burnley’s training ground. The club has trained on Gawthorpe Hall’s grounds since the 1950s and even converted an unused barn into a gym. Additionally, the font around the neckline reflects the typography found on vintage Turf Moor ticket stubs from the ’60s and ’70s.
The new away kit will debut at home, with Burnley facing Italian club Torino in a preseason friendly at Turf Moor this Sunday.