Julie Ertz

The Nikki & Brie Show

Julie Ertz & Kealia Watt: World Cup, NFL Bromances, & RomComs

Julie Ertz and Kealia Watt, World Cup champions and former U.S. soccer stars, join the Nikki and Brie Show to discuss their journey from youth soccer to professional careers. Both women share their early commitment to soccer—Julie at age nine and Kealia at thirteen—and reflect on the challenges of playing professionally when there was no established women's league. They describe earning as little as $5,000 to $25,000 per season, living with host families, and fighting for basic professional standards while their male counterparts in sports like the NFL enjoyed vastly different resources. The conversation highlights the sacrifices of their generation, who paved the way for today's players to enjoy better pay, working conditions, and the freedom to have families without ending their careers. Both women express mixed feelings about their timing—pride in what they accomplished for future generations, but wistfulness about not experiencing the creative freedom and financial security today's players enjoy. Now retired, Julie and Kealia have launched their podcast 'Style of Play,' celebrating their lifelong friendship that began at age fourteen and continues as neighbors, best friends, and wives to NFL players who are also best friends. The episode emphasizes themes of sacrifice, sisterhood, and progress in women's sports. Julie and Kealia's story illustrates how athletes from their era fought not just on the field but for basic professional respect and resources, creating opportunities for the next generation while acknowledging what they personally missed out on during their playing careers.