Nick Riewoldt: Life After AFL in the US, Family & Charity

Few AFL careers left a mark quite like Nick Riewoldt’s — 336 games of high-flying marks and relentless running that redefined what a key forward could be. But since hanging up his boots in 2017, the St Kilda legend has swapped the MCG for Texas, trading footy boots for school runs in Houston with his wife Catherine and their three young sons.

Games played (AFL): 336 ·
Goals kicked: 718 ·
All-Australian selections: 5 ·
All-time marks record: Yes (VFL/AFL) ·
Years with St Kilda: 2001–2017 ·
Height: 193 cm

Eight key facts, one pattern: Riewoldt’s post-footy life is defined less by what he achieved on the field and more by the family and causes he’s built since.

Here are the core details on the man himself.

Why did Nick Riewoldt move to the US?

Family reasons and lifestyle change

In early 2023, Nick Riewoldt relocated with his wife Catherine and their three young sons to Houston, Texas. According to 7NEWS, the destination was Catherine’s hometown, and the family described the move as a 12-month commitment. The children had recently started at a local primary school in Houston at the time of the report.

Professional opportunities in the US

The move followed the conclusion of Riewoldt’s Fox Footy contract, which was said to end in late 2022. 7NEWS reported that he had discussed missing half of the 2023 AFL season before returning to Australia. While he hasn’t taken up a high-profile media role in the US, the relocation gave his family access to Catherine’s support network and a very different pace of life.

The implication: Riewoldt’s move was less about chasing a new job and more about giving his wife and children a grounding in her home country while he stepped back from the demands of AFL media.

Does Nick Riewoldt have children?

Names and ages of his children

Yes — Nick Riewoldt and his wife Catherine have three sons. The Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision official profile names them as James, William, and Teddy. The family was reported by 7NEWS to have three young boys, with the children starting at a local primary school in Houston.

Family life in the US

Since the relocation, Riewoldt has spoken about his children’s experience during their time in America. He told 7NEWS Sydney via Facebook that his kids had a better experience during their time in the United States — a comment that drew attention given his later frustrations with junior sport in Australia.

Where does Nick Riewoldt live now?

Current residence in the United States

Nick Riewoldt currently resides in Houston, Texas, with his wife Catherine and their three sons. The Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision website notes that he is “away from football with his wife Catherine and sons James, William, and Teddy.” Houston is Catherine’s hometown, according to 7NEWS, which gave the family a ready-made community when they relocated in early 2023.

Connection to Australia

Riewoldt maintains a home in Australia and has returned periodically, including for public speaking engagements and charity work. His profile with Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision confirms he remains deeply connected to the foundation’s work in Australia, even while living abroad. The move was initially framed as a 12-month stay, suggesting the family kept the option of returning open from the start.

The pattern: Riewoldt is living a bi-continental life — rooted in Houston for day-to-day family routines, but still tethered to Australia through philanthropy, media, and the junior sport conversations he’s now part of.

What is Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision?

Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision is a charity founded by Nick Riewoldt in honour of his sister Maddie, who passed away from aplastic anaemia in 2015. The organisation funds research into bone marrow failure and blood disorders, and runs the #FightLikeMaddie campaign. The foundation’s website identifies Nick as “a former AFL champion, St Kilda star forward, and longest serving captain.”

• Funds research into bone marrow failure syndromes (Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision)
• Raises awareness through the #FightLikeMaddie campaign
• Has raised millions for research and clinical trials

The catch: while Riewoldt lives in the US, the foundation’s work remains Australia-focused. Running a charity from 14,000 kilometres away adds logistical complexity, but the digital nature of fundraising and awareness campaigns makes it feasible.

Is Nick Riewoldt moving back to Australia?

Current plans and statements

As of late 2023, Nick Riewoldt had not confirmed a permanent return to Australia. According to 7NEWS, the move was planned as a 12-month stay, and Riewoldt discussed returning for part of the 2023 AFL season. Since then, he has publicly commented on junior sport in Australia, suggesting he has been spending time back in the country.

Factors influencing a potential return

Several factors could pull Riewoldt back to Australia permanently: his ongoing role with Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, junior sport advocacy, public speaking engagements, and his extended family network. On the other hand, his children’s positive experience in American schools — which he acknowledged publicly via 7NEWS Sydney — and Catherine’s family ties in Houston are strong reasons to stay.

What this means: Riewoldt’s return is not a matter of if, but when — and how permanently. His frustrations with Australian junior sport suggest he still has skin in the game locally, while his family’s happiness in the US gives him every reason to keep one foot in Texas.

Timeline

Clarity

Quotes

“Kids that age should be treated with a bit more maturity.”

Nick Riewoldt, on Australian junior sport’s approach to competition (7NEWS)

“My kids had a better experience during their time in America.”

Nick Riewoldt, on his children’s schooling in the US (7NEWS Sydney Facebook)

“Junior sport in Australia has become too focused on avoiding hurt feelings.”

Nick Riewoldt, on his frustrations with youth sport culture (7NEWS)

“It is away from football with his wife Catherine and sons James, William, and Teddy.”

Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision profile (Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision)

For Australian parents, the choice is clear: the junior sport system Riewoldt criticises is the one most kids grow up in. Either clubs and administrators start taking competition seriously again, or families who want their kids to learn resilience will look to the American model Riewoldt saw firsthand.

Like his cousin his cousin Jack Riewoldt, Nick has focused on family and charity since retiring from the AFL.

Frequently asked questions