NFL Legend JJ Watt and Wife Welcome New Baby: ‘Joy and Gratitude’

Published: July 4, 2025

By Mallory Mattingly

Former Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt and his wife, Kealia, welcomed their second baby boy — Niko Benjamin Watt — last month.

“Overcome with joy and gratitude. Niko Benjamin Watt. 6.14.25 ❤️💙,” Watt wrote on social media.

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The post included four photos, featuring a snap of the whole family, followed by a solo pic of Niko with big brother Koa, 2, kissing him on the forehead. The third picture sees Kealia holding her son, while the former NFL star holds Niko in the fourth photo.

Watt left the NFL in 2022, but he’s returning to the league next season — just in a different role: an NFL ON CBS game analyst

“There is nothing better than the energy and excitement of being in the stadium on game day in the NFL,” Watt told CBS Sports in a statement. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return to that atmosphere each week, working with one of the best in Ian. While I certainly miss delivering hits on the field, it will be nice to leave the stadium without taking any, unless Ian decides to try something crazy.”

David Berson, President and CEO, CBS Sports, added, “JJ is one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL, and a future Hall of Famer. Over the last two years–as a studio analyst and on social media – he’s connected with fans through his passion, insight, and desire to truly have fun. We can’t wait for him to now entertain viewers as a game analyst. Listening to JJ and Ian together each week will be a real treat for NFL fans.”

Though this kind of job was never his plan, he just couldn’t say goodbye to football.

“When I was playing, I always said, ‘I’ll never be an analyst.’ I was like, ‘You’ll never, ever catch me doing that,'” Watt said. “Then I retired… I realized, I really love this game. I really love football. I want to be around it, I want to be a part of it, and I love watching these guys at the highest level do what they do.”

Earlier this year, he shared that he’s at “peace” with his decision, even though he still wishes he could play.

“I’ll always think I can [play], which is a problem,” Watt said, per Chron. “But the last two years, [I] could always say there’s that one percent in the back of [my] head. I definitely no longer have that. I’m just comfortable, I’m at peace. We’re having our second baby soon. Life is very good, I’m very fortunate.”

With a new baby and a new job, Watt will certainly stay busy.

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