Kealia Watt is widely known as the wife of former NFL defensive star J.J. Watt, but her own achievements extend far beyond their marriage. Born Kealia Mae Ohai, she built a respected career in professional soccer and represented the United States at several levels. She helped the University of North Carolina win a national championship before playing for the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars. Today, Kealia remains involved in sports through media, business ventures, and projects that promote the next generation of athletes.
Her relationship with J.J. Watt brought together two accomplished athletes who understand the demands of elite competition. The couple married in 2020 and later welcomed two sons, Koa James and Niko Benjamin. They also became minority investors in England’s Burnley Football Club, combining their interests in American football and soccer. Kealia’s journey reflects several important transitions: athlete, wife, mother, broadcaster, and sports investor. Her story offers a fuller picture of the woman behind the popular search term “JJ Watt wife.”
Quick Bio of Kealia Watt
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Kealia Mae Ohai Watt |
| Known as | Kealia Watt |
| Date of birth | January 31, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Draper, Utah, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former professional soccer player, broadcaster, entrepreneur |
| Playing position | Forward |
| College | University of North Carolina |
| Former teams | Houston Dash, Chicago Red Stars |
| Husband | J.J. Watt |
| Wedding date | February 15, 2020 |
| Children | Koa James Watt and Niko Benjamin Watt |
| Business interest | Minority co-owner of Burnley FC with J.J. Watt |
| Known for | Soccer career, media work, and sports investments |
Who Is Kealia Watt?
Kealia Watt is an American former professional soccer player who established her reputation through college soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League, and international competition. She grew up in Utah and developed a passion for soccer at a young age. Her athletic ability eventually earned her a place at the University of North Carolina, one of the most recognized programs in women’s college soccer.
Although many people first discover her through J.J. Watt, Kealia has her own record of sporting achievements. She competed professionally for the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars and represented the United States national teams. Her experience has also helped her move into broadcasting and discussions about youth development. Rather than stepping away from sports entirely after retirement, she has found new ways to remain connected to the game.
Early Life and Family Background
Kealia was born on January 31, 1992, in Draper, Utah. She grew up in a family environment that supported her athletic interests, and soccer became a central part of her childhood. Like many aspiring professional players, she developed her skills through youth competition before moving into high school and college soccer. Those early years helped her build the discipline and confidence required for a demanding sporting career.
Her sister, Megan Cushing, is also part of her family story. Megan’s husband, former NFL linebacker Brian Cushing, would later play an important role in introducing Kealia to J.J. Watt. That connection eventually linked two sporting families. However, Kealia’s own achievements began long before her relationship became public knowledge. Her youth career and college development established the foundation for her professional opportunities.
College Soccer and a National Championship
Kealia attended the University of North Carolina, where she played for the Tar Heels. The program has a celebrated history in women’s college soccer, making it a competitive environment for ambitious athletes. Kealia developed as a forward, a position that demands quick decisions, strong movement, and the ability to turn scoring opportunities into goals. Her time in college helped prepare her for the physical and tactical demands of professional competition.
One of the biggest milestones of her college career came in 2012, when North Carolina won the NCAA Division I women’s soccer championship. Kealia was part of the team that captured the title, adding a major achievement to her athletic résumé. Her college experience also gave her exposure to high-level competition and helped establish her as a player to watch. The championship remains an important part of her story, independent of her marriage to an NFL star.
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Kealia Watt’s Professional Soccer Career
Kealia entered the National Women’s Soccer League with the Houston Dash in 2014. She spent several seasons with the club and became an important attacking player. Her 2016 season stood out, as she scored 11 goals, a club record at the time. Those performances demonstrated her ability to create scoring opportunities and contribute consistently at the professional level.
In 2020, Kealia moved to the Chicago Red Stars. The change marked a new chapter in her playing career and brought fresh competitive challenges. She continued to contribute as a forward, using the experience she had gained in Houston. Her professional career required years of training, travel, recovery, and competition. These experiences helped shape the knowledge she now brings to sports conversations and media work.
Representing the United States
Kealia represented the United States in several youth national-team programs, including the under-17, under-20, and under-23 levels. Progressing through these teams is a significant accomplishment because players compete for limited places against talented athletes from across the country. International experience also exposes players to different playing styles and helps them adapt to tactical demands beyond their domestic clubs.
She later earned appearances with the senior United States women’s national team. One of her most memorable international achievements came at the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where she scored the winning goal in the final against Germany. That decisive moment helped the United States secure the title. It also became one of the defining highlights of her career and demonstrated her ability to perform on a major international stage.
How Kealia Watt Met J.J. Watt
Kealia and J.J. Watt were introduced through Brian Cushing, who had played alongside J.J. with the Houston Texans and was married to Kealia’s sister. The connection brought the two athletes together while both were building demanding professional careers. They began dating in 2016, although they initially kept much of their relationship private. Their shared understanding of elite sports gave them a natural point of connection.
The relationship became more widely known as the couple appeared together publicly and supported each other’s careers. In May 2019, J.J. proposed to Kealia, announcing their engagement with photographs and a celebratory message. Their relationship attracted attention because both had built successful careers in different sports. Even so, their story has included ordinary relationship milestones alongside the demands of public life.
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Marriage and Family Life
Kealia and J.J. married on February 15, 2020, in the Bahamas. Their wedding brought together family and friends to celebrate the couple’s commitment. Both understood the pressures that come with professional athletics, including intense schedules, physical preparation, and public expectations. Their shared experience has helped them navigate major career changes and family responsibilities while remaining connected to the sporting world.
The couple welcomed their first son, Koa James Watt, on October 23, 2022. Their second son, Niko Benjamin Watt, was born on June 14, 2025. Becoming parents added a new dimension to their lives, and J.J. has spoken about the importance of family when reflecting on retirement. Kealia has also discussed motherhood as one of the most meaningful parts of her life. They generally keep many details of their children’s lives private.
Life After Professional Soccer
Kealia announced her retirement from professional soccer in 2023. Leaving the sport was a major transition after years of competition, particularly because soccer had been part of her identity since childhood. In interviews, she has described the challenge of adjusting to life after playing. Retirement, however, did not mean abandoning her connection to the game or the broader sports community.
She has moved into sports broadcasting and analysis, using her experience as a player to help explain the game to audiences. Her work allows her to discuss tactics, player development, and the changing landscape of women’s soccer. Kealia has also participated in conversations about how young athletes can develop their skills and pursue opportunities. Her move into media shows how former players can apply their knowledge in new professional settings.
Kealia Watt’s Podcast and Business Interests
Kealia has continued to explore opportunities that connect sports, communication, and personal interests. In 2026, she joined longtime friend and fellow former U.S. international Julie Ertz for the Style of Play podcast. Their conversations include youth soccer, the development of women’s football, and the experiences of raising children while remaining connected to sports. Their shared background gives the discussions a perspective shaped by years of competition.
Kealia and J.J. have also expanded into sports ownership. In May 2023, they were announced as minority investors in Burnley Football Club in England. Their involvement has given them a connection to the club beyond following matches as fans. Kealia’s participation in soccer-related projects reflects her continuing interest in the sport, even after leaving professional competition. These activities also demonstrate how athletes can explore business and media opportunities after their playing careers end.
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Conclusion
Kealia Watt has built a life and career that stand on their own, even though many people search for her as “JJ Watt wife.” Her achievements include winning a college national championship, scoring the decisive goal in the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final, and playing professionally for the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars. Her transition into broadcasting and other sports ventures has allowed her to remain active in the game.
Her marriage to J.J. Watt is an important part of her personal story, alongside their two sons and shared investment in Burnley FC. Yet Kealia’s journey is also about athletic ambition, adapting to retirement, and discovering new ways to contribute. From the soccer field to media and family life, she continues to build on the experience she gained as an elite athlete. Her story illustrates that a sports career can evolve long after a player leaves professional competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is JJ Watt’s wife?
J.J. Watt’s wife is Kealia Watt, formerly known as Kealia Ohai. She is an American former professional soccer player who competed in the National Women’s Soccer League.
When did Kealia and J.J. Watt get married?
The couple married on February 15, 2020, in the Bahamas after becoming engaged in May 2019.
How did Kealia Watt become famous?
Kealia became known for her soccer career, including her time at the University of North Carolina, her professional seasons with the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars, and her appearances for U.S. national teams.
Does Kealia Watt have children?
Yes. Kealia and J.J. have two sons: Koa James Watt, born in October 2022, and Niko Benjamin Watt, born in June 2025.
What teams did Kealia Watt play for?
She played professionally for the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Did Kealia Watt play for the United States national team?
Yes. She represented the United States at youth levels and made appearances for the senior national team. She also scored the winning goal in the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final.
Is Kealia Watt still playing professional soccer?
No. She retired from professional soccer in 2023 and has since pursued broadcasting and other sports-related projects.
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