J.J. Watt Calls Out MLS Team for Disrespecting His Wife Kealia

NFL legend J.J. Watt urged Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake to put some respect on his wife Kealia Watt’s name. 

J.J., 37, Kealia, 34, and their son Koa, 3, attended Real Salt Lake’s game against Burnley FC at America First Field in Sandy, Utah, on Wednesday, July 15, which the club boasted about on social media. 

“Welcome to the Riot, @JJWatt and fam 🤩,” Real Salt Lake posted via X with a photo of the family entering the stadium. 

However, J.J. did not take kindly to his wife — a former professional soccer player and Utah native — going unnamed in the welcome message. 

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“The woman in the photo grew up literally down the road, won 4 Utah state championships (1 in this exact stadium), Gatorade Player of the Year twice, National Player of the Year, scored the fastest first goal in USWNT history…,” J.J. responded via X on Thursday, July 16. 

He added, “Could probably be worth a mention, but idk.”

Real Salt Lake realized its error and issued a mea culpa shortly after J.J.’s post went viral.

“We made an honest mistake yesterday and we are sincerely sorry for that,” the team posted on Thursday. “When we welcomed the Watt family to America First Field, we should have recognized Kealia Watt for exactly who she is.”

The post continued, “Kealia is a Utah native and one of the most decorated players to ever come out of this state. Kealia won four state championships with her club and four more in high school, and was a two-time Utah Gatorade Athlete of the Year. She was a U.S. youth national teamer at 13. At the U-20 level, she scored the game-winning goal in the World Cup final.”

Real Salt Lake listed off more of Kealia’s accomplishments, including her four years at the University of North Carolina and her current role as an analyst for Prime Video, before making one final apology. 

“We are deeply sorry,” the team said to the Watt family. “Thank you for all you do for the sport.”

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It all seems to be water on the bridge, as J.J. reposted Real Salt Lake’s apology shortly after it was posted. 

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In addition to son Koa, J.J. and Kealia welcomed son Niko in June 2025.

“Overcome with joy and gratitude,” J.J. shared via Instagram at the time. 

Since retiring from the NFL in 2022 after 12 seasons, J.J. has worked for CBS Sports as a studio analyst and color commentator.