If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the photos. JJ Watt, the man who spent a decade terrorizing NFL quarterbacks, is now mostly busy being a "girl dad" (well, boy dad, actually) and a supportive husband. It’s a far cry from the blood-on-the-bridge-of-the-nose days in Houston. So, to answer the burning question: is JJ Watt married? Yes, he definitely is. He’s been married to professional soccer star Kealia Ohai (now Kealia Watt) for years, and honestly, their relationship is basically the gold standard for athlete power couples.
They didn't just meet at a red carpet event or through some high-end dating app for the rich and famous. It was way more low-key than that. They were actually introduced by Brian Cushing—JJ’s former teammate—who happens to be married to Kealia’s sister. Small world, right?
Who is Kealia Watt?
It’s kinda funny because some people only know Kealia as "JJ Watt’s wife," but she’s a massive deal in her own right. She’s a world-class athlete. We're talking about a woman who was the number two overall pick in the 2014 NWSL Draft. She played for the Houston Dash and the Chicago Red Stars and even scored for the U.S. Women’s National Team.
When they first started dating back in 2016, they kept it super quiet. People were speculating for months before Kealia finally confirmed it on a podcast. They eventually got engaged in 2019 and had a massive, beautiful wedding in the Bahamas on February 15, 2020.
That timing was wild, by the way. They got married, went on a brief honeymoon, and then the entire world shut down for the pandemic. JJ has joked in interviews about how their "honeymoon phase" was basically just them being quarantined together in Wisconsin, training in a home gym. Talk about a test for a new marriage.
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The Watt Family in 2026: Meet the Kids
Life has changed a lot for the Watts since JJ hung up his cleats after the 2022 season. As of early 2026, the couple is currently raising two sons. Their first, Koa James Watt, was born in October 2022. He was the one you saw in those viral videos "helping" JJ train during his final NFL months.
But the big news that really hit the headlines recently was the arrival of their second child. In June 2025, they welcomed another baby boy named Niko Benjamin Watt. JJ posted a photo on Instagram with the caption "Overcome with joy and gratitude," and honestly, you can tell. He’s fully leaned into the "retired dad" lifestyle.
- Koa James Watt: Born October 23, 2022.
- Niko Benjamin Watt: Born June 14, 2025.
It’s pretty cool to see how they balance it all. Even though they’re both "retired" from their primary sports, they’re still incredibly busy. They became minority owners of the Burnley Football Club in England, and JJ has been crushing it as an analyst for CBS Sports.
Why Everyone Thought He Might Come Back
There’s always a rumor, isn't there? Even as recently as late 2024 and throughout 2025, people were wondering if JJ would pull a Tom Brady and un-retire. He actually admitted in early 2026 that he told Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans he’d be willing to come back if the team absolutely needed him due to injuries. He also mentioned he would’ve done it for the Pittsburgh Steelers to play with his brother, T.J. Watt.
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But it never happened. And at this point, nearing age 37, it’s safe to say the ship has sailed. He’s lost some of that "football weight" and seems way more interested in being at home for Niko’s first steps than getting hit by a 300-pound lineman.
A Competitive Household
One thing that makes their marriage work is that they’re both ultra-competitive. JJ has said in the past that whether it’s ping pong or a workout, they are always trying to beat each other. Kealia is famously faster, while JJ (obviously) is stronger.
"She's awesome. We went to Mexico for her birthday and the whole weekend was competition—whether it was ping pong or the weight room. She's extremely competitive which is a ton of fun. She's incredible." - JJ Watt via People.
What Most People Get Wrong About Their Life Now
A lot of fans think JJ is just sitting on a beach somewhere, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The transition from being a literal god in the city of Houston to a guy who has to change diapers at 3:00 AM isn't always easy. JJ and Kealia have both been open about the fact that having kids changes the dynamic of a marriage.
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They’ve had to work on communication just like anyone else. When you go from two people focusing 100% on their own athletic performance to two people focusing 100% on a toddler and a newborn, something has to give. They seem to have found a rhythm, though. Whether they’re at a Burnley match in the UK or hanging out at their place in Arizona, they look genuinely happy.
If you’re looking for a blueprint on how to handle fame, a high-profile marriage, and a transition into "normal" life, the Watts are basically the gold standard. They’ve managed to keep their private life relatively private while still sharing enough with fans to stay relatable.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the Watt family journey, here's what you should keep an eye on:
- Follow Kealia on Instagram: She actually posts more of the "real" day-to-day parenting struggles than JJ does.
- Watch Burnley FC: Since they're owners, you'll often see them in the stands or involved in team content.
- CBS NFL Today: This is where you'll get JJ's best football insights now that his playing days are officially over.
The "is JJ Watt married" question is an easy "yes," but the story behind it—of two elite athletes building a life together after the spotlight fades—is much more interesting. They've built a family, a business empire, and a legacy that goes way beyond a tackle or a goal.