A Super Bowl title would be quite the wedding gift for Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and his fiancée, Katie Hoofnagle.
Engaged since July 2025, Hoofnagle has supported Darnold, 28, throughout much of his NFL journey, including his most recent stop in Seattle, where he punched his ticket to Super Bowl 2026 in his first season with the team.
Here’s what to know about Darnold’s biggest fan.
Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold with his fiancée, Katie Hoofnagle.
Carolina ties
A University of South Carolina alum, Hoofnagle earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2020, according to her LinkedIn. She majored in marketing with a minor in nutrition and food systems.
During her time at the school, Hoofnagle was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and on the women’s club soccer team, among other activities.
A year after Hoofnagle completed her studies at South Carolina, Darnold — the third overall pick by the Jets in 2018 — was traded to the Panthers in 2021. He spent two seasons in Carolina.
Going public
Hoofnagle made her romance with Darnold Instagram official in April 2023 as part of a heartfelt roundup of “Happy little moments.”
Sam Darnold and Katie Hoofnagle became Instagram official in 2023.
She penned a sweet birthday tribute to the then-49ers backup quarterback in June of that year.
“Your huge heart, goofy energy, and ability to quote every movie you’ve ever seen are unmatched. happy 26th birthday, celebrating you is so easy!” she exclaimed.
Biggest fan
Darnold’s career has taken off since that time.
Hoofnagle supported Darnold during the 2024 season in Minnesota, where he authored a surprise 14-3 regular season to help revive his career.
Katie Hoofnagle supported Sam Darnold during his season with the Vikings in 2024.
“I’m proud of you for all that you’ve accomplished, but I’m prouder of the person that you are and continue to be. thanks for letting me be a part of your journey, Sam. standing by your side is a blessing that I’ll never take for granted. LFG,” Hoofnagle gushed after the 2024 campaign, when he threw 35 touchdowns against 12 interceptions and earned a Comeback Player of the Year nomination.
The Seahawks came calling in free agency, with Darnold agreeing to a three-year, $100.5 million contract in March 2025.
Ringing in the new season — literally
Before kicking off the 2025 regular season, Darnold and Hoofnagle revealed their summer engagement.
“YES!!!!!” she captioned a joint Instagram post of the couple, which was geotagged from Dana Point, Calif., where Darnold was born.
The quarterback presented Hoofnagle with a stunning radiant-cut diamond ring set on a pavé band.
Super Bowl-bound
The Seahawks entered the playoffs in January 2026 as the NFC’s top seed after posting a 14-3 record in the regular season.
Seattle demolished rival San Francisco in the divisional round, 41-6, to set up an NFC West clash against the Rams in the conference championship.
Sam Darnold kissed Katie Hoofnagle following the Seahawks’ NFC Championship win over the Rams on Jan. 25, 2026.
Darnold exorcised the demons of his playoff past, going 25-of-36 for 346 yards and three touchdowns in the 31-27 victory over L.A.
He and Hoofnagle commemorated the milestone moment with a kiss at Lumen Field.
“WE’RE NOT DONE YET!!!” she fired off on Instagram, to which Darnold replied, “Yassss.”
News
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