JJ Watt Wife:
JJ Watt wife is Kealia Ohai Watt, an American former professional soccer player born on January 31, 1992 in Draper, Utah.
JJ Watt is a retired NFL defensive end who spent most of his career with the Houston Texans and finished with the Arizona Cardinals. He is a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most recognizable players of his era. Kealia, meanwhile, built a big name of her own in women’s soccer. She won a FIFA U-20 World Cup, played in the NWSL, and earned a cap with the U.S. senior national team.
In this guide, you will learn about Kealia’s early life in Utah, her soccer career, how she and JJ got together, their surprise wedding in the Bahamas, and their two sons. We also cover her social media and share a quick facts table and answers to common questions.
Who Is Kealia Ohai Watt? Early Life and Education of JJ Watt’s Wife
Kealia Ohai Watt was born Kealia Mae Ohai on January 31, 1992. She was raised in Draper, Utah, by her parents, Ben and Cindy Ohai. She is American and has Hawaiian roots on her father’s side. Her father named her after Kealia Beach on the island of Kauai.
Sports ran in the family. Her father, Ben, was an All-American wrestler at Brigham Young University in the 1970s. Her older sister, Megan, played soccer at USC and was part of a national championship team there. Megan later married former NFL linebacker Brian Cushing, who was Watt’s teammate on the Texans.
Kealia started playing club soccer with the Utah Avalanche, where she helped win several state titles. At Alta High School, she became a standout and earned Parade All-American honors in 2010.
She then enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, one of the top women’s soccer programs in the country. She played for the Tar Heels from 2010 to 2013 and was part of the squad that won the national championship in 2012.
Kealia Watt’s Career and Professional Life
Kealia’s biggest early moment came in 2012. She scored the only goal in the final of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, helping the United States win the title. She also represented the U.S. at several youth levels, from under-15 up to under-20.
In 2014, the Houston Dash chose her in the NWSL College Draft. She became the first player the club ever drafted. She played in Houston from 2014 to 2019 as a forward and midfielder, known for her speed and athleticism. In 2016, she made her debut for the U.S. women’s national team and scored a goal in her short time with the senior squad.
Before the 2020 season, she moved to the Chicago Red Stars. She played there until she retired from professional soccer in 2022. Since stepping away from the pitch, she has also moved toward sports media work.
Her net worth has not been publicly confirmed, so we will not guess a number. NWSL salaries are modest compared to the NFL, and most of her public income details are private.
How Did JJ Watt and Kealia Ohai Meet?
The couple’s connection likely came through family. Kealia’s brother-in-law, Brian Cushing, played with JJ in Houston, and both Kealia and JJ lived in the city while she played for the Dash.
The two began dating around 2016. Their relationship became public that fall, and JJ made it official on social media in January 2017. He posted a photo of the two of them on Instagram to wish Kealia a happy birthday. For a player who rarely shared his private life, it was a big step.
They stayed together through the demands of two pro sports schedules. In May 2019, JJ proposed in the Bahamas. He also flew in Kealia’s family and friends to celebrate with them. Kealia later called it the “perfect proposal” and said she mostly cried when it happened.
Marriage and Wedding Details of JJ Watt and His Wife
JJ and Kealia married on February 15, 2020, on Valentine’s weekend. The ceremony took place at The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons resort in the Bahamas.
The wedding was a surprise. Fans did not know a date had been set, and the news broke only after the couple posted photos. JJ captioned his post, “Best day of my life. Without question.”
Kealia shared how it unfolded. About 30 minutes before the ceremony, JJ kept asking what she planned to wear, which made her suspect something was up. Local reports also noted that Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo helped the couple with their marriage license.
One moment went viral. JJ shared a video of his grandmother dancing at the reception. Soccer friends, family, and Kealia’s sister Megan and Brian Cushing, with their sons, were among the guests.
Children and Family Life of JJ Watt’s Wife
JJ and Kealia have two sons. They announced their first pregnancy on June 2, 2022. Their first child, Koa James Watt, was born on October 23, 2022. JJ shared a photo from the delivery room and wrote that “love and happiness have reached heights we never even knew existed.”
In February 2025, the couple said they were expecting again. Their second son, Niko Benjamin Watt, was born on June 14, 2025. As of November 2026, Koa is about four years old and Niko is about one and a half.
JJ retired from the NFL after the 2022 season, so the family now spends more time together. They share family moments, holidays, and birthdays on Instagram, but they keep many details private. They tend to post photos and short captions rather than long updates, which shows how they balance public life and privacy.
Kealia Watt on Social Media
Kealia is active on Instagram under the handle @kealiamae. Her follower count has been reported in the hundreds of thousands, though the number changes often, so check her profile for the latest total. She also has an older account on X, formerly Twitter, which she uses rarely.
Her posts mix family photos, travel, holidays, and moments with her sons. She also shares soccer memories and sweet shots with JJ. Her style is warm and personal rather than heavily promotional, which fans appreciate.
Kealia Ohai Watt Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kealia Mae Ohai Watt |
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Draper, Utah, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former professional soccer player |
| Teams | Houston Dash (2014–2019), Chicago Red Stars (2020–2022) |
| Married to | JJ Watt |
| Marriage Date | February 15, 2020 (Bahamas) |
| Children | Koa James (b. 2022), Niko Benjamin (b. 2025) |
| @kealiamae | |
| Net Worth | Not publicly confirmed |
JJ Watt Wife FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: What is JJ Watt’s wife’s name? A: JJ Watt’s wife is Kealia Ohai Watt. She was born Kealia Mae Ohai and played professional soccer under the name Kealia Ohai.
Q: How old is Kealia Watt? A: Kealia was born on January 31, 1992. She is 34 years old as of November 2026.
Q: What does Kealia Watt do for a living? A: She is a former professional soccer player who played in the NWSL for the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars. She has also moved toward sports media work.
Q: When did JJ Watt and Kealia Ohai get married? A: They married on February 15, 2020, at The Ocean Club in the Bahamas. It was a surprise wedding held on Valentine’s weekend.
Q: How many kids do JJ Watt and Kealia have? A: They have two sons. Koa James was born in October 2022, and Niko Benjamin was born in June 2025.
Conclusion
Kealia Ohai Watt is far more than a famous name’s spouse. She is a U-20 World Cup winner, a first-ever draft pick for the Houston Dash, and a mother of two. Her story shows that two athletes can support each other through tough schedules and big career moments.
The story of the JJ Watt wife and her family is one of love, hard work, and strong roots. From a surprise wedding in the Bahamas to life with their two sons, JJ and Kealia continue to build a happy family. We wish them many more wonderful years together.
