T.J. Watt is one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL, but at home he is a husband and a dad. His wife, Dani Watt, is an athlete in her own right — a former professional soccer player who met T.J. when they were both student-athletes at the University of Wisconsin.
The couple married in 2022, welcomed their first child in 2025, and announced in September 2026 that a second baby is on the way. Here is everything to know about Dani Watt.
Table of Contents
- Who Is Dani Watt?
- Dani Watt Age, Early Life and Education
- T.J. Watt and Dani Watt’s Relationship
- Dani Watt’s Children and Family Life
- Dani Watt’s Soccer Career
- T.J. Watt’s Career
- T.J. Watt Wife Net Worth
- Interesting Facts About Dani Watt
- Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Dani Watt?
Dani Marie Watt, née Rhodes, is an American former professional soccer player and the wife of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt. She played as a forward for the University of Wisconsin and later professionally for the Chicago Red Stars and in Iceland before retiring in 2023.
She married T.J. on July 9, 2022, and the couple now live in Pittsburgh with their daughter, Blakely.
Dani Watt Age, Early Life and Education
Dani Watt was born April 8, 1998, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She is 28 years old in 2026.
She grew up in Waukesha, where she attended Waukesha West High School, and later enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied life sciences communication and graduated in December 2020. She has two brothers, Drew and Dylan.
Dani Watt Information Table
| Full name | Dani Marie Watt (née Rhodes) |
|---|---|
| Born | April 8, 1998 |
| Age | 28 years old (in 2026) |
| Birthplace | Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Wisconsin-Madison (life sciences communication) |
| Profession | Former professional soccer player |
| Husband | T.J. Watt |
| Marriage | July 9, 2022 |
| Children | Daughter Blakely Marie Watt; second child expected |
T.J. Watt and Dani Watt’s Relationship
T.J. and Dani met in 2016 while both were student-athletes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison — he was suiting up for the Badgers football team and she was competing as a forward on the women’s soccer squad. After about five years together, T.J. proposed in July 2021, sharing the news on Instagram. Dani answered with her own post, writing “Yes” three times.
A year later, on July 9, 2022, they tied the knot in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in a ceremony attended by family, including T.J.’s brothers J.J. and Derek Watt.
Dani Watt’s Children and Family Life
On September 2, 2024, the couple announced they were expecting their first child. Their daughter, Blakely Marie Watt, was born on March 10, 2025, and the couple shared the news on Instagram.
On September 12, 2026, Dani announced on Instagram that they are expecting their second child, sharing pregnancy photos alongside T.J. and Blakely. The news came one day before T.J.’s game-changing pick-six helped the Steelers beat the Atlanta Falcons 20-13 in the 2026 season opener.
Dani Watt’s Soccer Career
Dani played college soccer at Wisconsin from 2016 to 2019. She turned professional after her senior season, debuting with the Chicago Red Stars on September 12, 2020 — where she played alongside Kealia Ohai, who later became her sister-in-law by marrying J.J. Watt. Dani later played for Þróttur Reykjavík in Iceland’s top women’s league before retiring from professional soccer in 2023 to start a family.
Off the field, Dani and T.J. announced in November 2024 that they will serve as ambassadors for the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation for two years, supporting children’s healthcare in Pittsburgh.
T.J. Watt’s Career
T.J. Watt was born October 11, 1994, and played college football at Wisconsin before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and is part of one of football’s most famous families: his brothers J.J. and Derek Watt also played in the NFL.
T.J. Watt Wife Net Worth
There is no verified public figure for Dani Watt’s personal net worth. T.J. is one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL, but published net-worth estimates for the couple vary widely and are not based on audited financial records, so no specific figure should be treated as confirmed.
Interesting Facts About Dani Watt
- Dani Watt was born Dani Marie Rhodes on April 8, 1998, in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
- She played college soccer at the University of Wisconsin from 2016 to 2019.
- She made her professional debut with the Chicago Red Stars in September 2020.
- She played soccer with her future sister-in-law Kealia Ohai at Chicago.
- She married T.J. Watt on July 9, 2022, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
- Their daughter, Blakely Marie Watt, was born on March 10, 2025.
- She announced in September 2026 that the couple are expecting their second child.
- In October 2026 she publicly questioned the NFL’s decision to play a Steelers game in Paris amid unrest there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is T.J. Watt’s wife?
T.J. Watt’s wife is Dani Watt, née Rhodes, a former professional soccer player. They married on July 9, 2022.
How old is Dani Watt?
Dani Watt was born on April 8, 1998, which makes her 28 years old in 2026.
When did T.J. and Dani Watt get married?
The couple married on July 9, 2022, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, after getting engaged in July 2021.
Do T.J. and Dani Watt have children?
Yes. Their daughter, Blakely Marie Watt, was born on March 10, 2025. In September 2026 Dani announced they are expecting their second child.
Did Dani Watt play professional soccer?
Yes. Dani played as a forward at the University of Wisconsin, then professionally for the Chicago Red Stars and in Iceland, before retiring in 2023.
