7 Unbelievable Facts About Dani Watt: T.J. Watt's Wife Who Went From Pro Soccer Star To New Mom In 2025
The woman standing beside NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt is far more than just a "WAG"—she is an accomplished athlete, a successful entrepreneur, and, as of early 2025, a devoted new mother. Dani Watt (née Rhodes) has quietly built a formidable career and a deeply private life with the Pittsburgh Steelers star, making their partnership one of the most compelling stories in professional sports today. This article, updated in late December 2025, dives into the latest details of her life, including the recent birth of their daughter and her burgeoning business ventures.
Dani and T.J. have navigated the intense spotlight of the NFL while celebrating major personal milestones, from their stunning Cabo San Lucas wedding in 2022 to the recent, joyous expansion of their family. Her journey from a prolific college soccer forward to a professional player in Iceland, and now to a business partner with a major fashion brand, showcases a dynamic ambition that mirrors her husband's own success on the gridiron. Here is everything you need to know about the powerhouse who supports the Steelers' biggest defensive threat.
Dani Watt (née Rhodes) Biography and Profile
Dani Watt is an American former professional soccer player and current entrepreneur, best known as the wife of Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt.
- Full Name: Dani Marie Watt (née Rhodes)
- Date of Birth: April 8, 1998
- Age (as of late 2025): 27
- Hometown: Waukesha, Wisconsin, U.S.
- Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison (where she met T.J. Watt)
- Sport: Soccer (Football)
- Position: Forward
- College Career: Wisconsin Badgers (United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America First Team, 2019)
- Professional Career: Played for Thróttur in Iceland, affiliated with NWSL teams like the Chicago Red Stars and Washington Spirit.
- Husband: T.J. Watt (married July 2022)
- Child: Daughter, Blakely Marie Watt (born March 10, 2025)
- Current Role: Entrepreneur, Co-designer for Abercrombie & Fitch YPB Activewear.
From College Sweethearts to Power Couple: The Watt-Rhodes Love Story
The relationship between T.J. Watt and Dani Rhodes began in a place familiar to both: the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They were both student-athletes for the Wisconsin Badgers, with T.J. playing football and Dani excelling as a star forward for the women's soccer team.
Their shared background in elite-level athletics formed the bedrock of their connection. The couple dated for six years, navigating the complexities of a long-distance relationship as T.J. moved on to the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dani pursued her professional soccer career overseas, including a stint with Thróttur in Iceland.
In July 2022, the couple officially tied the knot in a lavish, destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The star-studded event was attended by T.J.'s famous brothers, J.J. Watt and Derek Watt, and marked the start of their married life together, transitioning from college sweethearts to one of the NFL’s most admired power couples.
The Entrepreneurial Pivot: From Cleats to Activewear in 2025
After a successful run in professional soccer, which included being a prolific scorer and earning numerous accolades, Dani Rhodes (now Watt) hung up her cleats in 2023. However, her competitive spirit and passion for athletics quickly found a new outlet in the business world, marking a significant career pivot in 2025.
The most notable development in her post-soccer career is a major collaboration with the global retailer Abercrombie & Fitch. In a landmark move for the brand, T.J. and Dani Watt were tapped to co-design a collection for Abercrombie's activewear line, Your Personal Best (YPB).
This partnership, which launched in Fall 2025, is Abercrombie's first athletic partnership of this kind. Dani's involvement ensures the collection includes a strong focus on women's styles, drawing directly from her experience as an elite female athlete to create performance-driven, high-quality apparel. This role has cemented her status as an entrepreneur and a key figure in the intersection of sports and fashion.
The Latest Milestone: Welcoming Blakely Marie Watt
The biggest and most recent update in the Watt family's life came in the spring of 2025. T.J. and Dani Watt welcomed their first child, a daughter named Blakely Marie Watt, on March 10, 2025.
The joyous announcement was shared on social media, with the couple posting a joint message celebrating the new addition to their family. Reports indicated that the birth involved an emergency C-section due to complications, highlighting the emotional journey they took to become parents. The middle name, Marie, is a nod to Dani’s full maiden name, Dani Marie Rhodes, adding a personal touch to their daughter's identity.
Since the birth of Blakely, Dani has openly shared glimpses of her new life as a mother, often balancing her business commitments with the demands of parenthood. This new chapter has provided a fresh perspective on the couple's relationship, showing their unwavering support for one another through major life changes.
The Underrated Support System: Navigating T.J. Watt’s 2025 Season
Dani Watt's importance as a support system was highlighted again in late 2025 during a challenging time for T.J. Watt. Following a scary collapsed lung injury in December 2025, Dani took to social media to share emotional updates and express her steadfast support as her husband underwent emergency surgery and began his recovery.
Her public posts provided a rare window into the personal stress of an NFL spouse, demonstrating the resilience and strength required to stand by a partner in a high-risk sport. She was a constant presence during his recovery, attending team events and keeping fans updated on his progress alongside other Steelers WAGs.
The couple's ability to navigate T.J.'s demanding career, his serious injuries, her own career transition, and the arrival of their first child in the same year speaks volumes about the strength of their bond. Dani Watt is not just an accomplished individual; she is a crucial partner who provides stability and support, allowing one of the NFL's most dominant players to focus on his game.
The Watt family, including brothers J.J. Watt and Derek Watt, continues to grow, with Dani and T.J. at the center of the newest generation. Their story is a modern testament to a relationship built on mutual respect, shared athletic experience, and a commitment to building a family legacy.
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