Who is J.J. Watt's wife Kealia Watt? Former soccer star's career, Amazon NWSL broadcasting role, Burnley FC ownership, family life and more

Kealia Watt, formerly Kealia Ohai, is a former professional soccer player whose career was closely tied to the rise of the National Women’s Soccer League. She spent the majority of her career with the Houston Dash before moving to the Chicago Red Stars; since then, her football background has influenced her work off the pitch.She is also widely known as the wife of former NFL star J.J. Watt. They married in February 2020 and have two children. J.J. Watt is now in football broadcasting, while Kealia Watt has carved out a niche for herself in football analysis and business interests and involvement with English club Burnley FC.Who is J.J. Watt's wife Kealia Watt?Kealia Mae Ohai Watt was born January 31, 1992, in Draper, Utah. She was a soccer player at the University of North Carolina and helped the Tar Heels win the 2012 NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship. She was selected second overall in the 2014 NWSL Draft by the Houston Dash.CategoryKealia WattFull nameKealia Mae Ohai WattDate of birthJanuary 31, 1992BirthplaceDraper, Utah, United StatesProfessionFormer professional soccer player, broadcasterCollegeUniversity of North CarolinaNWSL teamsHouston Dash, Chicago Red StarsProfessional career2014–2021Major achievement2020 NWSL Challenge Cup championHusbandJ.J. WattMarriageFebruary 15, 2020ChildrenTwo sonsBroadcasting roleAmazon NWSL contributor and analystSoccer ownershipMinority investor in Burnley FCShe played eight professional seasons with the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars. Her FBref career stats show 152 appearances across competitions with 35 goals and 22 assists. She went on to become the club’s all-time leading scorer and a key attacking player with Houston before being traded to Chicago in 2020.Kealia Watt expands role with Amazon NWSLKealia Watt, who retired from professional football, has moved into sports media, bringing her own playing experience to NWSL broadcasts. Her transition allows her to analyse through the lens of a former league player, yet still retain a connection to women’s professional football.She had a special 2020 season in her playing career. Watt had been transferred to Chicago before the championship game, but the Houston Dash won that year’s NWSL Challenge Cup. The Chicago Red Stars made it to the final but were defeated 2-0 by Houston.Kealia Watt and J.J. Watt build Burnley tiesJ.J. Watt and Kealia Watt have also looked to Burnley FC to become more involved in football. The couple became minority investors in the English club, allowing Kealia to bring her women's football experience to a bigger football organization.That link is especially poignant given Kealia's background in women's professional football. Her experience as a NWSL player gives her a different perspective than J.J. Watt’s background in American football, and it provides a way for the couple to get involved in the business side of the sport.Kealia Watt continues work beyond soccer careerKealia Watt’s life outside of professional football also involves her family with J.J. Watt. They began dating in 2016, got engaged in 2019 and married on February 15, 2020. They had their first son in October 2022. Their second son, Niko Benjamin Watt, was born on June 14, 2025.Since hanging up her racket, she’s balanced family life with increased professional opportunities. Broadcasting keeps her close to the sport, while her involvement with Burnley ties her to club ownership and football development.Her journey shows how former athletes can use their sports experience to build second careers. For Watt, that path has been media, ownership of football and not a total departure from the game, but staying involved in women’s football.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.