J.J. Watt stood up for his wife, Kealia, on social media, but he faced some backlash for doing so.
The legendary NFL star called out a social media post from Real Salt Lake. The soccer franchise welcomed "J.J. Watt and family" to their stadium. J.J. Watt found that disrespectful to his wife, Kealia, a longtime professional women's soccer player.
"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," J.J. Watt wrote.
Real Salt Lake ultimately apologized.
"We made an honest mistake yesterday and we are sincerely sorry for that. When we welcomed the Watt family to America First Field, we should have recognized Kealia Watt for exactly who she is. 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. She started four years at North Carolina, won a national title with the Tar Heels, then went No. 2 overall in the NWSL draft to the Houston Dash, and was the franchise’s first-ever college pick. She then became their captain with 114 appearances and 28 goals. Kealia finished her career with the Chicago Stars (then known as the Red Stars) and is now a soccer analyst for Amazon Prime Video," they said.
But some fans found Watt's initial comment unnecessary
The tweet that came from Real Salt Lake likely came from a low-paid social media contributor.
"Great that @JJWatt loves and supports his wife. But acting like some intern or low level social media person should be equally aware of someone’s high school accomplishments when compared to a three time DPOY in the NFL is pretty out of touch. Just the way life is and it’s weird that he wouldn’t understand," one fan wrote.
"We’d have no idea who she is if it wasn’t for you, sir. Don’t be greedy," one fan added.
"You are going to get some kid trying to just get started in the industry fired," another wrote.
"I get supporting your wife but this is unfair and basically virtue signaling. RSL intern should know about your wife’s high school days is a big ask," one fan added.
Whose side of the debate do you stand on?
