introduction : tj watt wife
T.J. Watt’s wife is Dani Rhodes Watt, an American former soccer player born on April 8, 1998, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. T.J. Watt is a star linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, known for his relentless pass rush and a Defensive Player of the Year award. Fans searching for T.J. Watt’s wife want to know who she is, how the couple met, and what her life looks like today. This article covers Dani Watt’s background, career, love story with T.J., their wedding, and their growing family.
Who Is Dani Watt?
Dani Marie Rhodes, now known as Dani Watt, was born on April 8, 1998, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She is an American athlete who grew up playing multiple sports before focusing on soccer. At Waukesha West High School, she stood out in both soccer and basketball, earning state-level recognition for her athletic ability.
Dani went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she balanced academics with a demanding soccer schedule. She played as a forward for the Wisconsin Badgers from around 2016 to 2019 and earned multiple All-Big Ten honors during her college career. She was also recognized academically, receiving Academic All-Big Ten honors more than once. This combination of athletic talent and academic discipline shaped her into a well-rounded student-athlete long before she became known publicly as T.J. Watt’s wife.
Dani Watt’s Career & Professional Life
After a standout college career, Dani turned professional. She earned Big Ten Forward of the Year honors and a spot on the All-America Second Team during her time at Wisconsin, reflecting her skill as a goal-scoring forward. She went on to play professionally in the National Women’s Soccer League with the Chicago Red Stars, later continuing her career overseas with Iceland’s Throttur club.
Since stepping away from competitive soccer, Dani has shifted her focus toward fitness and lifestyle content, building a presence that blends her athletic background with everyday family life. In 2025, she partnered with her husband on a joint activewear collaboration with Abercrombie & Fitch, combining her fitness expertise with T.J.’s public profile. Her exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but her professional soccer career and current ventures suggest a comfortable, athlete-driven income separate from her husband’s NFL earnings.
How Did T.J. and Dani Meet?
T.J. Watt and Dani Rhodes met while both attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison as student-athletes. T.J. played football for the Badgers, while Dani was a freshman soccer standout. Their shared world of college athletics brought them together, and they started dating in September 2016.
The relationship grew steadily over the following years, even as T.J.’s football career took off after he was drafted into the NFL. The two made their first public appearance as a couple on social media in December 2016, when T.J. shared a photo with Dani on Instagram, followed by a Christmas Day post from Dani featuring the pair. As T.J. rose through the NFL ranks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dani remained a steady presence, supporting him through the demands of professional football.
Their relationship reached a major milestone in July 2021, when T.J. proposed. He shared the happy news on Instagram, calling himself the luckiest man in the world, while Dani expressed her joy at getting engaged to her best friend. The engagement capped off years of partnership that began on a college campus and grew alongside T.J.’s NFL success.
Marriage & Wedding Details
T.J. Watt and Dani Rhodes got married on July 9, 2022, in a beachside ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The wedding took place not long after T.J. had a career milestone year, having won his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and earned first-team All-Pro honors.
The Mexico wedding brought together family, friends, and Steelers teammates, along with T.J.’s brothers, NFL stars J.J. Watt and Derek Watt. The destination celebration reflected the couple’s shared love of adventure and marked the start of their life together as husband and wife, following six years of dating.
Children & Family Life
T.J. and Dani Watt became parents for the first time in 2025. The couple announced they were expecting their first child in September 2024, and their daughter, Blakely Marie Watt, was born on March 10, 2025. They shared the news with fans through a joint Instagram post celebrating their new arrival.
The birth involved unexpected complications, and Dani required an emergency C-section after her heart rate dropped rapidly during labor. Both mother and baby came through safely, and the experience reportedly strengthened the couple’s bond as parents. Since becoming a family of three, T.J. and Dani have kept much of their day-to-day life private while still sharing meaningful family moments with fans online.
Dani Watt on Social Media
Dani Watt is active on Instagram under the handle @danimariewatt, where she shares a mix of family moments, fitness content, and glimpses of her life alongside her NFL husband. Her posts often include travel highlights, workout content tied to her athletic background, and updates about their daughter, Blakely. She also maintains a presence on Facebook. While her following is smaller than a typical celebrity influencer, her content resonates with fans who follow both the Watt family and the world of women’s soccer.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dani Marie Rhodes Watt |
| Date of Birth | April 8, 1998 |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former professional soccer player, fitness content creator |
| Married to | T.J. Watt |
| Marriage Year | 2022 |
| Children | 1 daughter (Blakely Marie Watt, born 2025) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
FAQ Section
Q: What is T.J. Watt’s wife’s name? A: T.J. Watt’s wife is Dani Rhodes Watt, a former professional soccer player. She goes by Dani Watt since their 2022 marriage.
Q: How old is Dani Watt? A: Dani Watt was born on April 8, 1998, in Waukesha, Wisconsin, making her in her late twenties.
Q: What does Dani Watt do for a living? A: Dani is a former professional soccer player who competed in the NWSL and in Iceland. She now focuses on fitness and lifestyle content.
Q: When did T.J. Watt and Dani get married? A: T.J. Watt and Dani Rhodes got married on July 9, 2022, during a beachside wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Q: How many kids do T.J. Watt and Dani have? A: T.J. and Dani Watt have one daughter, Blakely Marie Watt, who was born on March 10, 2025.
Conclusion
Dani Watt is far more than just T.J. Watt’s wife. She built her own athletic career as a college and professional soccer player before transitioning into fitness and family life. From meeting T.J. at the University of Wisconsin to marrying him in Mexico and welcoming their daughter, Blakely, in 2025, her journey reflects both independence and partnership. As T.J. Watt continues to dominate on the football field, Dani remains a steady, accomplished presence by his side, and their story stands as one of the NFL’s most grounded off-field relationships.
