The Ultimate Playmaker: 7 Surprising Facts About Kealia Watt, JJ Watt's Soccer Star Wife (Updated 2025)

The Watt family continues to grow and make headlines, with the biggest news in 2025 being the arrival of their second child. While J.J. Watt dominated the NFL gridiron for years, the true MVP of his personal life, Kealia Watt (née Ohai), is a powerhouse athlete in her own right, with a spectacular career that often gets overshadowed by her husband's fame. The couple, celebrated for their athletic prowess and massive charitable efforts, recently shared the joyous announcement of their new baby boy, a perfect complement to their first son, Koa James Watt.

This article dives deep into the life of the former NWSL star, giving you the most current and essential details about the woman who is a champion, a mother, a business owner, and the rock of the Watt dynasty. From her incredible feats on the soccer field to her role in the family's newest venture in European football, Kealia Mae Ohai Watt is far more than just "JJ Watt's wife."

Kealia Mae Ohai Watt: A Champion's Biography

Kealia Watt’s life is a testament to athletic excellence and fierce determination, long before she met the NFL legend. Her career as a professional soccer player established her as one of the best female footballers in the United States.

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• Full Name: Kealia Mae Ohai Watt
• Date of Birth: January 31, 1992
• Age (as of late 2025): 33 years old
• Hometown: Draper, Utah
• Height: 5' 5"
• College: University of North Carolina (UNC)
• Professional Teams: Houston Dash (2014-2020), Chicago Red Stars (2020-2022)
• Position: Forward/Midfielder (FW-MF)
• Key Career Achievements: NCAA National Champion (2012), FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Champion (2012), U.S. Women's National Team appearance, Houston Dash Captain.
• Husband: J.J. Watt (married February 15, 2020)
• Children: Koa James Watt (born October 2022) and a second son (born June 2025)
• Current Role: Former Professional Athlete, Mother, Co-owner of Burnley FC.
• Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $1 million (separate from J.J. Watt's net worth)

7 Surprising Facts That Define Kealia Watt's Powerhouse Legacy

While J.J. Watt's career is public record, the details of Kealia's journey and her life with the retired NFL star are equally fascinating. These facts highlight her independent success and their shared life as one of sport's most powerful couples.

1. She Is a World Cup Champion and NCAA Legend

Kealia Watt’s soccer pedigree is elite, boasting titles that many professional athletes only dream of achieving. She was a key player on the U.S. team that won the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, scoring the winning goal in the final match against Germany. Her collegiate career at the University of North Carolina was also legendary, culminating in an NCAA National Championship in 2012. Her outstanding youth resume set the stage for her professional career in the NWSL.

2. Her Introduction to J.J. Was a Family Affair

The star couple didn't meet randomly; their relationship has a unique family connection. Kealia's older sister, Megan Ohai, is married to former NFL linebacker Brian Cushing, who was J.J. Watt's teammate on the Houston Texans. Cushing and Megan played matchmaker, introducing the two athletes who were both playing professionally in Houston at the time—J.J. for the Texans and Kealia for the Houston Dash. They began dating in early 2016 and kept the relationship private for the first few years.

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3. The Couple Welcomed Their Second Son in Mid-2025

The biggest update for the Watt family in 2025 is the expansion of their family. In June 2025, J.J. and Kealia announced the arrival of their second child, a baby boy. This exciting news follows the birth of their first son, Koa James Watt, in October 2022. J.J. has often spoken about how watching Kealia embrace motherhood has given him a new, beautiful perspective on his wife, celebrating her strength and grace as a mother.

4. She Was a Captain for the Houston Dash

Kealia was a foundational player for the Houston Dash, the city where she spent the majority of her NWSL career. Her leadership qualities were evident as she served as the team captain. She holds the distinction of being the first player in Dash history to score a hat trick, cementing her status as a club icon before her trade to the Chicago Red Stars in 2020. Her move to Chicago was one of the biggest trades in the NWSL at the time.

5. Kealia Is Now a Co-Owner of a European Football Club

After J.J. Watt's retirement from the NFL, the couple found a new shared passion project: European football (soccer). In 2023, J.J. and Kealia became minority investors in Burnley FC, an English professional football club. Kealia’s deep knowledge and passion for the sport, combined with J.J.’s business acumen, make them a formidable ownership duo. This venture allows Kealia to remain actively involved in the sport she loves at the highest level, transitioning from player to club owner.

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6. She Has Been a Pillar of Support During Major Life Transitions

Kealia’s role in J.J.'s life has been crucial, especially during his retirement and transition to family life. J.J. has publicly stated that his investment in Burnley FC helped fill the "adrenaline void" left after stepping away from the NFL, a project he tackles with his wife by his side. The couple is also united in their charitable efforts, famously stepping up to help victims of flash floods in Texas, demonstrating their commitment to community and philanthropy.

7. Her Name is a Tribute to Her Hawaiian Heritage

The name "Kealia" is of Hawaiian origin and means "the calm waters." While she was raised in Utah, her unique name reflects a beautiful heritage. Her full maiden name, Kealia Mae Ohai, is a nod to her family roots. After their marriage in the Bahamas in 2020, she officially began using the name Kealia Watt, although she is sometimes still referred to by her maiden name, Kealia Ohai, by long-time soccer fans.

The Future: Family, Football, and Philanthropy

As of late 2025, Kealia Watt is navigating the exciting and demanding world of motherhood with two young children, all while managing her new role as a football club owner. Her transition from a professional athlete to a sports executive and mother highlights her versatility and drive. The Watt family remains one of the most beloved and influential couples in the sports world, known for their genuine connection and dedication to giving back. Their legacy is now being built not just on the field, but through their growing family and their philanthropic and business endeavors.

Kealia Watt’s story is a powerful reminder that behind every celebrated athlete is often an equally accomplished partner. She is a true playmaker in every sense of the word, both in her former career and her current life.