Real Salt Lake apologizes to J.J. Watt and Kealia Ohai

Former NFL star J.J. Watt publicly called out Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after the Major League Soccer club failed to acknowledge his wife, former U.S. women's national team player Kealia Ohai Watt, in a social media post welcoming the family to a match. The club has since issued a formal apology.

The incident occurred as the couple, who are minority owners of English club Burnley FC, attended a friendly between Burnley and Real Salt Lake at America First Field in Sandy, Utah. Real Salt Lake posted a photo of the family on social media with the caption, "Welcome to the Riot, JJWatt and fam." J.J. Watt quickly responded, highlighting his wife's extensive soccer accomplishments, which are deeply rooted in Utah.

"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," Watt wrote. "Could probably be worth a mention, but idk."

Kealia Ohai Watt, 34, is a native of Sandy, Utah, where she starred at Alta High School. Her accolades include four state championships, twice being named Gatorade National...