Last Updated on October 21, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
T. J. Watt’s family includes his wife, Dani Rhodes Watt, their daughter Blakely Marie Watt, his parents John and Connie Watt, and his two older brothers, J. J. and Derek Watt. Born on October 11, 1994, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, Trent Jordan Watt is an American professional football outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL).
Watt comes from one of the most recognizable football families in America. His two older brothers also played in the NFL, making John and Connie Watt the parents of three professional football players.
In his personal life, Watt married former professional soccer player Dani Rhodes in July 2022. The couple welcomed their first child in March 2025 and announced in September 2026 that they were expecting another baby.
Here is everything publicly known about T. J. Watt’s wife, children, parents and siblings, including his family’s athletic background, his marriage and the influence of his brothers on his NFL career.
T. J. Watt’s Wife: Who Is Dani Rhodes?
Dani Rhodes Watt is T. J. Watt’s wife. The couple married on July 9, 2022, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, after dating for several years.
Dani is a former professional soccer player who competed for the University of Wisconsin, Chicago Red Stars and Icelandic club Thróttur Reykjavík.
The couple met while attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where T. J. played football and Dani represented the women’s soccer team.
They began dating during their college years and maintained their relationship as both pursued professional sporting careers.
Dani frequently supported Watt at Steelers games, training camps and other important events.
As of now, T. J. Watt and Dani Rhodes remain married and are preparing to welcome their second child.
Who Is Dani Rhodes Watt?
Dani Rhodes is a former professional soccer forward from Waukesha, Wisconsin.
She attended Waukesha West High School, where she excelled in soccer and basketball.
Her athletic achievements earned her an opportunity to play NCAA Division I soccer at the University of Wisconsin.
According to the university’s official athletics biography, Rhodes became one of the most accomplished players in the Wisconsin Badgers women’s soccer program.
She received All-Big Ten recognition during several seasons and became an important attacking player for the team.
In 2019, she was named Big Ten Forward of the Year and earned second-team All-American recognition.
She also received academic honors, demonstrating her commitment to education alongside competitive athletics.
Rhodes graduated from Wisconsin in 2020 with a degree in life sciences communication.
Dani Rhodes’s Professional Soccer Career
After completing her college career, Dani pursued professional soccer.
She joined the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League in 2020.
Interestingly, one of her teammates was Kealia Ohai, who is married to T. J. Watt’s older brother, J. J. Watt.
That connection meant the two women were teammates before becoming sisters-in-law.
In 2021, Rhodes moved to Iceland to play for Thróttur Reykjavík.
Her professional career allowed her to experience international competition before returning to the United States.
In February 2023, she announced her retirement from professional soccer.
Since retiring, she has remained involved in family activities and charitable initiatives alongside her husband.
How Did T. J. Watt and Dani Rhodes Meet?
T. J. Watt and Dani Rhodes met at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
At the time, Watt was developing into a promising defensive player for the Wisconsin Badgers, while Rhodes competed for the university’s women’s soccer team.
Their shared experiences as student-athletes helped them establish a close connection.
Both understood the demands of college sports, including training, competition, travel and academic responsibilities.
Their relationship continued after Watt entered the NFL in 2017.
Rhodes also pursued professional sporting opportunities, and the couple supported each other’s ambitions.
After several years together, Watt decided to propose.
When Did T. J. Watt Get Engaged?
T. J. Watt proposed to Dani Rhodes in July 2021.
The couple announced their engagement through Instagram photographs.
Watt expressed his excitement about becoming engaged to his longtime girlfriend, while Rhodes celebrated accepting his proposal.
The announcement attracted congratulations from teammates, relatives and football supporters.
Approximately one year later, the couple celebrated their wedding in Mexico.
T. J. Watt and Dani Rhodes’s Wedding
T. J. Watt and Dani Rhodes married on Saturday, July 9, 2022, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
The wedding brought together close relatives, friends and people connected to their professional sporting careers.
Watt’s brothers, J. J. and Derek, attended the celebration.
According to UPI, Watt publicly shared wedding photographs on July 10, 2022, describing the ceremony as one of the happiest moments of his life.
Dani also posted photographs celebrating their marriage.
The wedding occurred after a particularly successful period in Watt’s football career, which included winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award for the 2021 season.
The celebration marked an important personal milestone for the Steelers linebacker.
T. J. Watt’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
As of now, T. J. Watt has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Blakely Marie Watt, and is expecting a second child with his wife, Dani.
The couple announced the birth of their daughter in March 2025.
On September 12, 2026, Dani revealed through social media that they were expecting another baby.
As of now, no verified public announcement of the second child’s birth has been identified.
Blakely Marie Watt: T. J. Watt’s Daughter
Blakely Marie Watt is the first child of T. J. and Dani Watt.
The couple announced her arrival on March 10, 2025, through a joint Instagram post featuring black-and-white family photographs.
The announcement confirmed their daughter’s full name and celebrated their transition into parenthood.
Although some publications identify March 10 as her birth date, the couple’s announcement did not explicitly establish the exact day she was born.
The photographs showed Watt holding his newborn daughter and spending time with his wife at the hospital.
Family members and NFL players quickly congratulated the couple.
His older brother J. J. welcomed his new niece through a celebratory comment, while Derek also shared his excitement.
Blakely’s arrival represented a significant personal milestone for a player who had grown up in a close-knit family.
T. J. Watt and Dani Are Expecting Their Second Child
On September 12, 2026, Dani Watt announced that she and T. J. were expecting their second child.
The announcement appeared on Dani’s Instagram account and was subsequently reported by Steelers Now and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Dani shared photographs from an outdoor maternity photoshoot, confirming that the family was preparing to welcome another baby.
The announcement came approximately 18 months after the couple publicly celebrated Blakely’s arrival.
However, the baby’s sex, name, exact due date and birth date have not been reliably established.
Until an official birth announcement is made, the couple should be described as parents of one child who are expecting their second.
T. J. Watt’s Parents: Meet John and Connie Watt
T. J. Watt’s parents are John Watt and Connie Watt. They raised T. J. and his two older brothers in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
Both parents played important roles in creating the competitive, disciplined environment that helped their three sons reach the NFL.
John worked as a firefighter, while Connie established a career in business administration before becoming involved in charitable work.
The family placed considerable emphasis on teamwork, personal responsibility and supporting one another.
T. J. Watt’s Father: John Watt
John Watt is T. J. Watt’s father and a retired firefighter from Wisconsin.
According to the Pittsburgh Steelers, John worked for the Waukesha Fire Department for more than two decades and eventually served as a lieutenant.
His employment involved 24-hour shifts, which gave him several days off between work periods.
He used much of that time to coach his sons, attend their athletic activities and help manage the household.
During childhood, T. J. and his brothers frequently visited their father’s fire station.
They interacted with firefighters, played games and learned about teamwork and public service.
John later explained that those experiences helped the boys appreciate discipline and responsibility.
How John Watt Influenced His Sons
John encouraged his three sons to participate in sports from an early age.
He helped coach youth teams and regularly practiced football, baseball and other activities with them.
The brothers also played hockey before concentrating more seriously on football.
According to Wisconsin Athletics, the family’s sporting activities were often extremely competitive.
John taught the boys to give their best effort rather than expecting every performance to be perfect.
He also encouraged them to take responsibility for household chores.
That combination of athletic discipline and everyday accountability helped prepare all three sons for college football and professional competition.
T. J. Watt’s Mother: Connie Watt
Connie Watt is T. J. Watt’s mother and one of the most important influences on his life.
Before becoming involved in charitable work, Connie spent approximately 23 years working for Independent Inspections Ltd., where she held senior management responsibilities.
Her duties included financial administration, human resources and daily business operations.
She later became vice president of the Justin J. Watt Foundation, established by her eldest son.
According to the foundation’s official website, Connie helps oversee its daily operations and charitable programs.
She has also remained a dedicated supporter of her children’s athletic careers.
Connie Watt Raised Three Future NFL Players
In November 2017, the Pittsburgh Steelers published an extensive interview about Connie’s relationship with T. J.
She recalled taking her newborn son directly from the hospital to an ice rink because J. J. had a hockey practice.
The story demonstrates how central sports already were to the family’s lifestyle.
As the boys became older, Connie attended their games, organized travel arrangements and helped balance family responsibilities.
When all three sons reached the NFL, she frequently traveled between cities to support them.
Sometimes their games took place in different states on consecutive days, requiring complicated travel schedules.
T. J. publicly praised his mother for her dedication and acknowledged that his parents’ sacrifices helped make his professional career possible.
The Steelers also documented how Connie’s relationship with T. J. became especially close after his older brothers left home for college.
T. J. Watt’s Siblings: Meet J. J. and Derek Watt
T. J. Watt has two older brothers: J. J. Watt and Derek Watt.
Both played college football at the University of Wisconsin before establishing professional NFL careers.
T. J. is the youngest of John and Connie Watt’s three children.
The brothers remain closely connected despite their different professional paths.
J. J. Watt: T. J. Watt’s Oldest Brother
Justin James “J. J.” Watt is T. J. Watt’s oldest brother and one of the most accomplished defensive players in NFL history.
J. J. was born on March 22, 1989, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
He initially attended Central Michigan University before transferring to Wisconsin.
After developing into a standout defensive end, he entered the 2011 NFL Draft.
The Houston Texans selected him in the first round with the 11th overall pick.
J. J. played for Houston from 2011 through 2020 before joining the Arizona Cardinals for the final two seasons of his career.
His accomplishments include winning the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award three times, in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
He also earned five first-team All-Pro selections.
J. J. retired from professional football following the 2022 season.
How J. J. Watt Influenced T. J.
J. J. played an important role in shaping his youngest brother’s competitive mentality.
Growing up, T. J. frequently practiced against his older brothers in the family’s backyard.
Because J. J. was several years older and physically stronger, T. J. had to work harder to compete.
In a 2023 Steelers family profile, J. J. explained that the brothers rarely made their games easier for the youngest child.
Although the experiences could be frustrating, T. J. later credited those competitions with developing his resilience.
He also watched J. J. establish himself in college and the NFL, providing a model for his own career.
The brothers subsequently became two of the most productive pass rushers of their respective generations.
J. J. Watt’s Wife and Children
J. J. Watt is married to former professional soccer player Kealia Ohai Watt.
They married in February 2020.
The couple have two sons, Koa James Watt and Niko Benjamin Watt.
Koa was born in October 2022, while Niko arrived in June 2025.
Both boys are T. J. Watt’s nephews.
Kealia also shares an interesting connection with T. J.’s wife, Dani, because the two women previously played for the Chicago Red Stars.
Derek Watt: T. J. Watt’s Middle Brother
Derek Watt is T. J. Watt’s other older brother.
He was born on November 7, 1992, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
Like his brothers, Derek attended the University of Wisconsin and played football for the Badgers.
He developed into a reliable fullback before entering the 2016 NFL Draft.
The San Diego Chargers selected him in the sixth round with the 198th overall pick.
Derek played for the Chargers organization from 2016 through 2019.
In March 2020, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, reuniting with T. J.
The brothers subsequently played together for three seasons, from 2020 through 2022.
Derek finished his professional career after seven NFL seasons.
T. J. and Derek Watt Played Together on Three Teams
T. J. and Derek shared a particularly special football relationship.
They played together at Pewaukee High School, the University of Wisconsin and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
When Derek joined Pittsburgh in 2020, their parents celebrated the opportunity to watch two sons represent the same NFL team.
During interviews with Steelers.com, John and Connie described how meaningful the reunion was to their family.
The brothers also enjoyed living closer to each other and spending more time together outside football.
Derek Watt’s Wife and Children
Derek Watt is married to Gabriella Watt.
The couple have three children: sons Logan and Brayden, and daughter Isabella Grace, born in April 2025.
They are T. J. Watt’s nephews and niece.
The growing number of children among the three Watt brothers has added another generation to the family’s close relationships.
Does T. J. Watt Have a Sister?
No. T. J. Watt has two siblings, both brothers.
His official Steelers and Wisconsin football biographies identify J. J. and Derek as his only brothers and do not list any sisters.
How T. J. Watt’s Family Influenced His Football Career
T. J. Watt attended Pewaukee High School in Wisconsin, where he played several football positions.
He competed at quarterback, linebacker, tight end and punter while also participating in track and field.
After graduating, he joined the University of Wisconsin football program in 2013.
Watt initially played tight end, but injuries affected his early college career.
He eventually transitioned to outside linebacker before the 2015 season.
The change became a major turning point in his athletic development.
During the 2016 season, he recorded 63 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.
His performances earned first-team All-Big Ten and All-American recognition.
On April 27, 2017, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Watt in the first round of the NFL Draft with the 30th overall pick.
He quickly established himself as an important contributor to Pittsburgh’s defense.
His greatest individual season came in 2021, when he recorded 22.5 sacks and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
In September 2023, he became the Steelers’ all-time sack leader.
He continued building his legacy through multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.
On July 22, 2025, Pittsburgh announced that Watt had signed a new four-year contract.
Throughout his career, Watt has credited his parents’ work ethic and his brothers’ competitive influence with helping him become a successful NFL player.
T. J. Watt and Dani’s Support for Children’s Healthcare
Family has also influenced T. J. and Dani Watt’s charitable activities.
In November 2024, the couple announced a partnership with the UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation in Pittsburgh.
The initiative focuses on supporting children’s healthcare and increasing awareness of pediatric medical needs.
The partnership became especially meaningful because the couple were preparing to welcome their first child.
After Blakely’s arrival, parenthood added another personal dimension to their involvement.
The couple’s efforts demonstrate their interest in supporting children and families beyond their immediate household.
Frequently Asked Questions About T. J. Watt’s Family
Who is T. J. Watt’s wife?
T. J. Watt’s wife is Dani Rhodes Watt, a former professional soccer player. They married on July 9, 2022, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
How did T. J. Watt meet his wife?
T. J. Watt met Dani Rhodes at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he played football and she competed in women’s soccer.
How many children does T. J. Watt have?
As of now, T. J. Watt has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Blakely Marie Watt. He and Dani announced in September 2026 that they were expecting their second child.
When was T. J. Watt’s daughter born?
The couple announced Blakely Marie Watt’s arrival on March 10, 2025. Her exact birth date was not explicitly confirmed in the announcement.
Is T. J. Watt expecting another baby?
Yes. Dani Watt announced her second pregnancy on September 12, 2026. The baby’s name, sex and exact due date have not been publicly confirmed.
Who are T. J. Watt’s parents?
T. J. Watt’s parents are John Watt and Connie Watt, who raised their three sons in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
Who is T. J. Watt’s father?
His father is John Watt, a retired firefighter and former fire department lieutenant who helped coach his sons during childhood.
Who is T. J. Watt’s mother?
His mother is Connie Watt, a former business executive and vice president of the Justin J. Watt Foundation.
How many siblings does T. J. Watt have?
T. J. Watt has two older brothers, J. J. Watt and Derek Watt. Both are former NFL players.
Is T. J. Watt related to J. J. Watt?
Yes. T. J. and J. J. Watt are brothers. J. J. is the oldest of the three Watt sons and a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Who is T. J. Watt’s brother Derek?
Derek Watt is T. J.’s older brother and a former NFL fullback who played for the Chargers and Steelers.
Does T. J. Watt have a sister?
No. His two documented siblings are his brothers J. J. and Derek.
Is Koa James Watt T. J. Watt’s son?
No. Koa James Watt is the son of J. J. Watt and Kealia Ohai Watt. He is T. J. Watt’s nephew.
What is T. J. Watt’s full name?
His full name is Trent Jordan Watt.
How old is T. J. Watt?
T. J. Watt was born on October 11, 1994, making him 32 years old as of now.
What NFL team does T. J. Watt play for?
T. J. Watt plays outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who drafted him in the first round in 2017.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
