Steelers' TJ Watt And His Wife Avoided Terrifying Disaster During 2025 Offseason

When the Pittsburgh Steelers dismissed the team for the 2025 offseason, star pass rusher TJ Watt had a lot more on his mind than preparing for the new season. He was likely not even too worried about negotiating the contract extension that he was due. His main priority was his pregnant wife, Dani Watt, and the baby that would be born shortly. For a short time, he had to put conditioning and offseason training off to be a good husband/dad and keep caring for her and their incoming newborn. 

However, that magical moment in the delivery room quickly turned into panic and fear. The couple explained what happened during a recent episode of In Depth with Graham Bensinger, as the two had to weigh some very uncomfortable options.

"They get a successful epidural and then they're like, 'Alright Dani, well let's rest.' She was able to rest for like another hour or two before we started pushing again," TJ Watt recalled. "And it got to the point where the doctor said, 'Your baby's heart rate is plummeting. We need to do an emergency C-section right now,' and I just remember saying, 'Can you please leave the room? I just need a minute… to talk to my wife.'"

There are very few things that are scarier than hearing a doctor say that. TJ and Dani discussed the situation and what they wanted. In the end, they decided to have the surgery to have the baby, even though Dani Watt was against it at first, as she recalled. Eventually, they sent her into the operating room to have the procedure done as TJ continued to fear the worst for his loving wife and newborn daughter.

TJ Watt continued with his mindset of everything, as he just hoped for the best for his family.

"It's so intense," TJ Watt said. "The moment is just like, holy crap, we're in 2025 and this is still like life or death – it feels like in that moment. I mean, people have died from having C-sections."

Luckily, the procedure went well. Dani survived the surgery, and the baby made it out healthy. They are now the proud, loving parents of Blakely Watt, and TJ has spent the offseason doing his part as a dad, even if it meant having to hold off signing his new extension to change diapers. Even as a generational talent that sometimes carries the Steelers on his back, he has to put his family first and help carry the load for them. 

The couple is at peace with how everything unfolded, especially because the end result was great, as TJ Watt explained.

"That's brought us the best thing that's ever happened to us in Blakely," TJ Watt said. "And it's brought us so much closer together – to see [Dani] go through that pain and suffering to sacrifice so much for us and our family is the most selfless thing that you could possibly do."

Dani also spoke about it, saying "We went through hell and back." She even said that test brought them much closer together as a couple. Head Coach Mike Tomlin says, "Iron sharpens iron." It still applies in this scenario, as this extremely tough situation made them better in their lives back home. They are much stronger than they were during the 2024 season. 

Steelers Are Excited To See "Dad Strength" Come Out

When parents give birth, the usual aftermath is both of them getting stronger and acquiring quicker reflexes. While Watt will likely have that with Blakely, the Steelers hope to take full advantage of that on the field. He's looking for a bounce-back season anyways, and his newfound dad strength could be exactly what he needs to light up the football world and win a second Defensive Player of the Year Award. 

If his wife can go through that type of pain, he can beat an opposing offensive lineman with ease.

What do you think about the scary situation around the Watts' pregnancy? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB. Also, we are so glad that the whole family is happy and healthy. Good luck to all three of them. 

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