Born and raised in Wisconsin, T.J. Watt’s wife, Dani, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the same school where T.J. played college football. While T.J. represented the Badgers, Dani was a part of Madison’s soccer team. In 2019, she earned Big Ten Forward of the Year honors along with several other awards.
But soccer wasn’t her only sport, as Dani was also a basketball star in high school, leading her Wisconsin team during both her junior and senior years.
After graduating in 2020, Dani pursued professional soccer as she signed with the Chicago Red Stars and played for a season before going to Iceland to continue her soccer journey.
However, in 2023, Dani announced her decision to retire from professional soccer, explaining how both her body and mind were ready for a new chapter. She also reflected on how the sport introduced her to amazing people, took her around the world, and taught her valuable lessons.
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Dani and TJ’s love story began in Wisconsin, and after dating for nearly five years, the couple eventually got hitched in Mexico. TJ and Dani Watt also welcomed their daughter, Blakely Marie Watt, in March 2025.
T.J. Watt Injury Update
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker TJ Watt is currently recovering after undergoing surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung on Thursday. The scary medical emergency happened after TJ’s dry needling treatment at the team facility on Wednesday.
TJ’s wife, Dani Watt, took to Instagram on Friday to share an emotional update about her husband’s condition. She thanked everyone for their prayers and support while praising the medical teams who cared for TJ.
🙏 🙏
TJ Watt’s wife posting about his surgery #steelers pic.twitter.com/K31V9HsiFc
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) December 12, 2025
Meanwhile, the All-Pro linebacker is now recovering and is slated to be home as he recuperates from his health scare.
The injury means TJ will almost certainly miss Monday night’s crucial game against the Miami Dolphins, as the Steelers sit with an overall record of 7-6 so far this campaign.
#Steelers star TJ Watt is expected to play again this season following surgery on his partially collapsed lung after a dry needling treatment, sources say.
Sometimes this heals on its own. This didn’t, so surgery was necessary. A scary 24 hours. But full recovery expected. pic.twitter.com/QY15gzmJIk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 12, 2025
Amidst TJ’s medical scare, his wife, Dani Watt, has been a constant source of support for her husband.
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