All About TJ Watt's Wife and Their Relationship Together

Here's what we know about the athletic duo.
TJ Watt and his beautiful wife on their wedding day
Photo: @tjwatt90 | Instagram
brittany barber headshot
by
Brittany Barber
brittany barber headshot
Brittany Barber
The Knot Contributor
  • From top movie picks to celebrity scoops and travel advice, Brittany writes on a wide range of topics for The Knot.
  • While Brittany is a contributing writer for The Knot Worldwide, she also provides shopping content for publications like BuzzFeed, CTV and The National Post.
  • Brittany has a Bachelor of Arts in media and communications studies, along with minors in creative writing, theater studies and music performance....
Updated Nov 01, 2024

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt and TJ Watt's wife, Dani (Rhodes) Watt, first met while attending the University of Wisconsin. Dani Watt, a former professional soccer player, has been in a relationship with the NFL star since 2016. The couple later tied the knot in July 2022 with a beach wedding in Mexico.

Known for his explosive playmaking ability, TJ has become one of the top defensive players in the NFL, recognized for his tenacity and leadership. He comes from a famous football family, being the younger brother of J.J. Watt and Derek Watt. Dani played professionally in both the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and abroad in Iceland. She was a forward on the University of Wisconsin women's soccer team, where she played from 2016 to 2019 and earned All-Big Ten honors for her performances.

If you want to know more about TJ Watt and his wife Dani, read on for their relationship timeline.

  • TJ Watt is married to Dani (Rhodes) Watt. They have been together since 2016.
  • TJ Watt and Dani Watt met at the University of Wisconsin.
  • TJ Watt and Dani Watt got married in July 2022 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

In this article:

Who is TJ Watt's Wife, Dani (Rhodes) Watt?

Dani Rhodes, now Dani Watt, is a professional soccer player who has competed for teams like the Chicago Red Stars and Iceland's Throttur. Like TJ, Dani was an athlete at the University of Wisconsin, where she played soccer.

How TJ Watt and Dani Watt Met

TJ and Dani met while they were both student-athletes at the University of Wisconsin. Their football romance started in September 2016.

TJ Watt and Dani Watt's Relationship Timeline

December 2016: TJ Watt and Dani Watt are Instagram official

TJ first shared a photo of himself and Dani on Instagram in early December 2016, marking one of their first online appearances as a couple. Around the same time, Dani posted a sweet snap of the pair on Christmas Day. Although this was their debut on social media, they had officially started dating back in September 2016. We know this because a year later, in September 2017, TJ celebrated their first anniversary by sharing a post on his Instagram account, reflecting on their growing relationship.

April 2017: Dani Watt becomes a Steelers fan

In April 2017, TJ was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the NFL draft. To celebrate this milestone, Dani posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, sharing a photo of the two wearing Steelers hats. Alongside the photo, she wrote: "Tonight I became a Steelers fan! I am so proud of you and all of your hard work, no one deserves this opportunity more than you do. I cannot wait to see where your new journey takes you, and continue to support you along the way👊🏻 I love you lots!"

September 2018: TJ Watt and Dani Watt celebrate two years together

In September 2018, Dani commemorated her and TJ's second anniversary by sharing a series of photos of the couple on Instagram. The caption reflected her strong feelings about their relationship, even after just two years together. Dani wrote: "2 years of a forever love ❤️ & looking forward to many more! Thanks for being you @_tjwatt42." Her sweet message highlighted the deep connection they had built in just two years, all while foreshadowing their future together, which, as we know now, would eventually lead to marriage.

September 2020: Dani Watt signs with Chicago Red Stars

Dani made her debut with the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in 2020, marking a huge step in her professional soccer career.

July 2021: TJ Watt and Dani Watt are engaged

On July 8, 2021, the athletic power couple officially got engaged! TJ posted a carousel of photos that show him down on one knee, popping the question to Dani.

July 2022: TJ Watt and Dani Watt tie the knot

The couple were married on July 9, 2022, in a beautiful destination wedding in Mexico. The wedding, held near the ocean, was a private ceremony attended by close family and friends, including TJ's older brother J.J. Watt and his wife Kealia Ohai, who is Dani's former soccer teammate. The couple celebrated with fireworks and a giant dance party, according to the gorgeous wedding video they shared from their big day.

February 2023: Dani Watt retires from professional soccer

On February 15, 2023, Dani announced to her Instagram followers that she had decided to retire from professional soccer. She shared a series of photos of her journey as an athlete, leading with an adorable picture of her as a little girl in a soccer uniform. Along with the photos, she penned an emotional caption expressing how difficult the decision was for her, as well as her gratitude for all she had experienced.

September 2024: TJ Watt and Dani Watt are expecting

In early September, TJ and Dani announced that they are expecting their first child together. They both posted gorgeous pregnancy photos to their Instagram accounts, and TJ even shared that the baby is due in February 2025.

Up Next
  • Inside NFL Player Kenny Pickett's Love Story
    Inside NFL Player Kenny Pickett's Love Story