J.J. Watt, a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, publicly called out Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake after a social media post welcoming him and his family to a match failed to mention his wife, Kealia Ohai Watt, a former professional soccer player with local ties.
The couple attended a match between Real Salt Lake and Burnley F.C., a team in which the Watts are partial owners. The team's official X account posted, "Welcome to the Riot, @JJWatt and fam," accompanied by a photo of J.J. Watt.
Watt responded to the post, emphasizing his wife's significant soccer background. He noted that Kealia Ohai Watt grew up nearby, achieved four state championships with her youth soccer club, earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors twice, and was named National Player of the Year.
"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… Could probably be worth a mention, but idk," Watt wrote in a reply.
Kealia Ohai Watt's soccer career includes winning a national championship with the University of North Carolina. She was the second overall pick in the NWSL College Draft by the Houston Dash, where she served as captain from 2016 until being traded to the Chicago Red Stars in 2020. She also played for the U.S. Women's National Team.
The couple purchased their stake in Burnley F.C. in 2023. Real Salt Lake's initial post, which J.J. Watt felt overlooked his wife's accomplishments and local connection, sparked the public exchange.