Nick Riewoldt: Biography, Family, and His Move Overseas

Anyone who followed Australian rules football in the 2000s has a mental image of Nick Riewoldt: soaring above packs, arms stretched, taking a mark that seemed physically impossible. The No. 1 draft pick who became the face of St Kilda for 17 seasons retired as one of the game’s most decorated key forwards, then surprised everyone by swapping Melbourne for Houston. This is his story — from Tasmania to the Gold Coast, from 336 games to an AFL Hall of Fame induction, and the family move that reshaped his post-football life.

Born: 17 October 1982 ·
Height: 195 cm (6 ft 5 in) ·
AFL club: St Kilda (2001–2017) ·
Games played: 336 ·
Goals: 718 ·
Draft pick: No. 1 overall (2000)

One name, one club, one career arc — but the details that matter most to fans are the ones that fit together like a puzzle.

Riewoldt’s life story reads like a map of small choices that became defining patterns — each one worth a closer look.

How many children does Nick Riewoldt have?

Nick Riewoldt and his wife Katherine Loughnan — also referred to as Catherine Heard in some coverage (The City Celeb) — have three children together. Reports consistently identify them as three sons, with coverage naming the boys James, Will, and Teddy (TV Blackbox).

The family’s move to the United States was framed around these three boys — in particular, the chance to be closer to their mother’s family in Houston (7NEWS). Riewoldt’s wife grew up in Houston, which made Texas a natural second home rather than a random relocation.

How old are Nick Riewoldt’s kids?

• The specific age of each child is not widely published in reliable sources.
• Coverage from the 2022–2023 relocation period describes them as school-aged boys, but exact birthdates remain private.
• Riewoldt has referenced his sons’ youth sports experiences when discussing frustrations with junior sport after returning to Australia (7NEWS).

The pattern: Family-first decisions have consistently shaped Riewoldt’s post-football trajectory.

Why did Nick Riewoldt move overseas?

Nick Riewoldt relocated to Texas in January 2023, stepping away from full-time Australian media commitments (7NEWS). The move was to Houston specifically, according to TV Blackbox (TV Blackbox).

What prompted Nick Riewoldt to relocate to the United States?

• Multiple reports say the relocation was motivated in part by being closer to his wife’s family in Houston (7NEWS).
• One report suggests the move was initially described as a 12-month commitment (7NEWS).
• Riewoldt’s post-playing career included prominent footy media work before the relocation (7NEWS).

In practice, the Texas chapter lasted about two years. A statement from his camp said the family had lived in Cath’s hometown of Houston for two years before returning to Melbourne (Yahoo Sports Australia).

The implication: this was never a permanent farewell to Australia. It was a season of family life in the US, then a deliberate return.

Where does Nick Riewoldt live now?

Nick Riewoldt resides in Melbourne, Australia, after returning in 2025 to join Seven’s AFL coverage (Yahoo Sports Australia).

Current residence details

• Lived in Houston, Texas, USA, from January 2023 until roughly late 2024 or early 2025.
• Family’s return to Melbourne aligns with his new role on Channel 7’s AFL commentary team.
• Riewoldt has spoken about the contrast between junior sport in the US and Australia since coming back (7NEWS).

What this means: the Houston chapter was a parenthesis — an intentional one — and Riewoldt’s professional base is now firmly back in Australian footy media.

Are Nick and Jack Riewoldt related?

Yes — Nick Riewoldt and Jack Riewoldt are cousins. Both were former AFL players: Nick as a key forward for St Kilda, and Jack as a three-time premiership player for Richmond. The family connection is a frequent topic of fan discussion, especially given their different career paths and club loyalties.

Family relationship between Nick and Jack Riewoldt

• Nick Riewoldt is the son of Joerg “Joe” Riewoldt and Fiona Riewoldt (Wikipedia).
• Jack Riewoldt is Nick’s cousin, meaning their fathers (or respective parent pairs) are siblings.
• The surname traces back to German roots, which explains the shared name across the family line.

The catch: the two Riewoldts played in different eras and different positions, so their head-to-head moments were rare. Fans often conflate them because of the surname, but their AFL identities are entirely distinct.

Why is Nick Riewoldt called Roo?

The nickname “Roo” is a phonetic shortening of his surname, Riewoldt, and it stuck because of his kangaroo-like leaping ability on the field. The nickname is widely documented across profiles and biographies (Coast Pulse).

Origin of the nickname Roo

• “Roo” is a shortened, informal version of Riewoldt — the “Rie…” sound trims to “Roo” in Australian slang.
• It also aligns with the kangaroo (“roo”) — fitting for a player famous for high-flying marks.
• IMDb’s biography also records “Rooey” as a widely used variation (IMDb biography).

The implication: the nickname “Roo” remains a lasting brand that transcends his playing days.

Career timeline

Seven dates, one arc: from No. 1 pick to Hall of Famer.

What stands out: the gap between 2017 and 2023 is not a retirement — it’s a second act. Riewoldt stayed in footy media, kept a public profile, then deliberately relocated for family before returning to an even bigger media role.

What’s confirmed, what’s not

Separating verified facts from speculation keeps the picture honest — especially with public figures whose private details are often misreported.

Confirmed

• Nick Riewoldt was born on 17 October 1982 (IMDb biography).
• He played 336 games for St Kilda (7NEWS).
• He has three sons with his wife Katherine (TV Blackbox).
• He moved to Houston, Texas, in January 2023 (7NEWS).
• His nickname is “Roo” or “Rooey” (IMDb biography).

What’s unclear

• Exact net worth figures are not publicly verified.
• The specific age of each child is not widely published.
• Whether the Houston move was always intended as a two-year stint is not confirmed.

The pattern: The line between public knowledge and private detail remains deliberately drawn by Riewoldt and his family.

Quotes and perspectives

“Humbled and honoured to be inducted into the @afl Hall of Fame. Family and friends next to me…”

Nick Riewoldt, Instagram post after Hall of Fame induction

Riewoldt stepped away from full-time Australian media commitments when he relocated to Texas in January 2023.

7NEWS, Australian news outlet covering his move

A statement from his camp said the family had lived in Cath’s hometown of Houston for two years before returning to Melbourne.

Yahoo Sports Australia, reporting on his return

Riewoldt’s post-playing career included work as a prominent footy media commentator before the Texas relocation.

7NEWS, detailing his career trajectory

The implication: The quotes reveal a consistent narrative of family priority over professional convenience.

Where Riewoldt’s story lands now

Nick Riewoldt has managed something few athletes pull off: a graceful exit from the game, a purely personal detour to another country, and a return that elevates his media profile rather than diminishing it. His 336 games and 718 goals for St Kilda remain the bedrock of his legacy, but the Houston years and the 2025 return to Seven’s AFL coverage show a man still writing his post-football story.

For AFL fans, the takeaway is simple: the “Roo” who once flew for marks now flies between continents — and the family chapter is the one he seems most protective of.

For a detailed account of his US move of his US move and ongoing charity work, fans can find further coverage on AussieWatch.

Frequently asked questions