Introduction: TJ Watt Wife
tj watt wife is one of the most dominant linebackers in the NFL, making waves with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While fans admire his prowess on the field, many are also curious about his personal life, particularly his wife, Dani Rhodes.
Dani Rhodes, a former soccer player, has built an impressive career of her own, and her journey from an elite athlete to being the wife of an NFL star is inspiring. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Dani Rhodes, her background, her relationship with T.J. Watt, their wedding, and their future together.
Who is Dani Rhodes
Dani Rhodes is a former professional soccer player who gained recognition for her incredible athletic skills. She has been known for her speed, agility, and goal-scoring ability on the field.
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Dani Marie Rhodes
- Date of Birth: April 8, 1998
- Hometown: Waukesha, Wisconsin
- Nationality: American
Dani was raised in a sports-oriented family that encouraged her to pursue athletics from a young age. She developed a passion for soccer early on, which led her to excel in high school and college.
College Career
Dani attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she played for the Wisconsin Badgers women’s soccer team. During her college career, she was recognized as one of the top forwards in the Big Ten Conference.
- Freshman Year (2016): Named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team
- Sophomore Year (2017): Selected for the All-Big Ten Second Team
- Senior Year (2019): Awarded Big Ten Forward of the Year
Dani finished her collegiate soccer career with an impressive 38 goals in 85 matches, making her one of the standout players for the Wisconsin Badgers.
Dani Rhodes Professional Soccer Career
After an outstanding college career, Dani went on to play professionally.
Chicago Red Stars (NWSL)
- In 2020, she signed with the Chicago Red Stars, a team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
- She played in the Fall Series of the league, where she showed glimpses of her attacking ability.
Þróttur Reykjavík (Iceland)
- In 2021, she took her talents to Iceland and played for Þróttur Reykjavík in the Úrvalsdeild kvenna (Iceland’s top women’s soccer league).
- In her first game, she scored a goal in a 4-0 victory, proving her ability to adapt to international competition.
Retirement from Soccer
In February 2023, Dani announced her retirement from professional soccer. She revealed that although she loved the game, she was ready for the next chapter in her life.
“This was not an easy decision for me, but my body and mind are ready and excited for another chapter.” – Dani Rhodes
How Did T.J. Watt and Dani Rhodes Meet
T.J. Watt and Dani Rhodes met while both were attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. While T.J. was making a name for himself in football, Dani was excelling on the soccer field. Their shared passion for sports and their competitive spirits brought them closer together.
College Sweethearts
- They started dating in 2016 and quickly became one of the most admired couples in the university’s athletic community.
- Both athletes supported each other’s careers, with Dani often attending T.J.’s football games, and T.J. cheering for Dani at her soccer matches.
Engagement
- After five years of dating, T.J. proposed to Dani in July 2021.
- The engagement took place in a romantic beach setting, and T.J. shared the news on social media, writing:
“I am the luckiest man in the world to spend the rest of my life with you.”
The Wedding of T.J. Watt and Dani Rhodes
T.J. Watt and Dani Rhodes got married on July 9, 2022, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Their wedding was a lavish beachside ceremony, attended by family, close friends, and several NFL stars.
Highlights of the Wedding
- Venue: A luxurious resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
- Guests: Included T.J.’s brothers, J.J. Watt and Derek Watt, as well as many of their teammates.
- Bride’s Dress: Dani wore a stunning white gown with a long train, while T.J. looked dapper in a classic black suit.
- Emotional Moments: The couple exchanged heartfelt vows, and Dani later shared:
“When I was a little girl, I never thought I’d find someone special enough to change my last name… But I found him and couldn’t be happier to share a name with the man of my dreams.”
Honeymoon
After the wedding, the couple enjoyed a romantic honeymoon, sharing glimpses of their adventures in Hawaii.
Life After Marriage
Since their wedding, T.J. and Dani have been active on social media, often sharing glimpses of their married life.
Supporting Each Other Careers
- Dani continues to support T.J. by attending his games and celebrating his achievements with the Steelers.
- T.J. admires Dani’s dedication, often mentioning her influence on his work ethic and discipline.
Personal Life and Hobbies
- The couple enjoys traveling, working out together, and spending time with family.
- Dani is passionate about health, fitness, and nutrition, and often shares tips with her followers.
Are T.J. Watt and Dani Rhodes Expecting a Baby
Yes! The couple announced in September 2024 that they were expecting their first child, due in February 2025.
- They shared the news on Instagram with a series of adorable baby bump photos.
- The caption read:
“February 2025 👣❤️ Our hearts are full!”
Fans and fellow athletes flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages.
How Does Dani Fit into the Watt Family
Dani has seamlessly integrated into the famous Watt family, which includes NFL legends J.J. Watt and Derek Watt.
Connections in the Watt Family
- Dani was already friends with Kealia Ohai, J.J. Watt’s wife, as they were teammates in soccer.
- The Watt family is known for their close bond and competitive spirit, and Dani fits right in with their athletic mindset.
Dani Rhodes Life Beyond Sports
Since retiring from professional soccer, Dani has focused on new endeavors, including:
- Philanthropy: Dani has been involved in several charitable causes, especially in youth sports programs.
- Cooking: She contributed to the “Cooking with the Starrs” cookbook, where she shared a Carrot Cake Banana Bread recipe, a favorite of T.J.’s.
- Fitness & Lifestyle: She continues to inspire fans by sharing health and fitness tips.
Final Thoughts
Dani Rhodes is more than just T.J. Watt’s wife she is a former professional athlete, a strong and supportive partner, and an inspiring individual in her own right. Her journey from soccer stardom to becoming a member of the Watt family dynasty is remarkable.
As she and T.J. embrace parenthood in 2025, fans are eager to see what the future holds for this power couple.
Key Takeaways
- Dani Rhodes is a former professional soccer player, having played for the Chicago Red Stars and Þróttur Reykjavík.
- She met T.J. Watt at the University of Wisconsin, and they began dating in 2016.
- They got engaged in 2021 and married in 2022 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
- They are expecting their first child in February 2025.
- Dani has transitioned into a new phase of life, focusing on family, fitness, and philanthropy.
Their love story is one of mutual support, dedication, and shared passion for sports. Fans will undoubtedly continue to follow their journey with admiration.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data. While we strive for accuracy, details may change over time. We are not affiliated with TJ Watt, Dani Rhodes, or the NFL. For official updates, refer to their verified social media or news sources.
