Who Is T.J. Watt’s Wife Dani Watt? Inside Their Love Story

T.J. Watt, renowned linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is not only celebrated for his on-field achievements but also for his life off the field as a devoted husband and father. In July 2022, after six years of dating, T.J. married Dani Watt (née Rhodes). The couple’s love story began while they were student-athletes at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where they met and eventually got engaged in 2021.

Dani expressed her joy on Instagram after the wedding, writing, “When I was a little girl I never thought I’d find someone special enough to ever change my last name… But I found him and couldn’t be happier to share a name with the man of my dreams.”

In March 2025, the Watts announced the arrival of their first child, a daughter named Blakely, sharing the news on social media with the heartfelt caption, “Worth The Wait.”

Early Life and Career of Dani Watt

Dani Rhodes was born and raised in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where she was not only a standout athlete in both basketball and soccer but also an academic achiever. She graduated from Waukesha West High School and went on to pursue her college education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition to earning a degree in life sciences communication in December 2020, Dani made a name for herself as a soccer star. She was named Big Ten Forward of the Year in 2019 and earned All-America Second Team honors. Additionally, Dani was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.

After her college career, Dani played professionally for the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2020 before moving on to play for Thróttur Reykjavík, a team in Iceland. During her time in Iceland, Dani documented her travels and shared glimpses of her life abroad. In February 2023, she made the decision to retire from soccer, sharing on Instagram, “This was not an easy decision for me, but my body and my mind are ready and excited for another chapter. This game introduced me to so many amazing people, took me to places around the world that I could only dream of, and taught me how to overcome adversity.”

A Shared Passion for Sports and Family

Dani’s athleticism also runs in the family. Before becoming her sister-in-law, Dani played for the Chicago Red Stars alongside Kealia Ohai, who is married to T.J.’s brother J.J. Watt. Dani’s social media announcement of her engagement to T.J. in 2021 was met with a heartwarming response from Kealia, who commented, “I’m so happy❤️.”

In addition to her soccer achievements, Dani was also a talented basketball player in high school, where she was a captain and finished her senior year as her school’s all-time scoring leader.

The Wedding and Life Together

T.J. and Dani’s wedding took place in the picturesque setting of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in July 2022. The intimate ceremony was attended by family, friends, and T.J.’s Steelers teammates, including his brother Derek Watt. The celebration featured breathtaking ocean views and a lively dance floor, with personal touches such as the couple’s initials projected onto a cliffside.

Growing Their Family

In March 2025, T.J. and Dani welcomed their first child, a daughter named Blakely Marie Watt. The proud parents shared the joyous news on social media, marking the beginning of this exciting new chapter in their lives.

Dani’s journey from a student-athlete to a professional soccer player and now a mother reflects her passion, resilience, and commitment to both her career and family. As T.J. continues to shine on the football field, Dani’s story reminds fans of the importance of balance, love, and family in the lives of professional athletes.