Is Sam Darnold married? Inside the Seahawks QB’s private romance with fiancée Katie Hoofnagle | NFL News
Sam Darnold’s personal life is capturing just as much attention as his on-field performance, and the focus is on his fiancée, Katie Hoofnagle. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback, now eyeing a Super Bowl appearance in 2026, has had a rollercoaster journey across five NFL teams since 2018. As he is leading Seattle against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship on January 25, Hoofnagle is there by his side, offering unwavering support.Darnold has openly credited Hoofnagle for understanding the grind of professional football. In a March 2025 interview with Us Weekly, he said, “You know, the fact that she just understands it. She’s a former athlete herself, and just gets kind of the grind of everything. When I just want to chill, she’s very up for that, especially during the season.” He added, “She’s great. She’s always been my biggest supporter. And I love her, and I thank her for that all the time.” Their partnership, both on and off the field, has become a highlight of Darnold’s journey in Seattle.
Is Sam Darnold married ? What we know so far
The short answer is no. Darnold is not married yet, but his wedding is officially on the horizon. He and Hoofnagle got engaged in July 2025 in California, sharing a jubilant joint Instagram post simply captioned, “YES!!!!!” Their wedding is scheduled for April 3, 2026, meaning their engagement will be less than a year. Sources suggest that timing, more than anything else, has delayed their nuptials. With the NFL season and now a playoff run occupying Darnold’s schedule, wedding planning has understandably taken a backseat.Katie Hoofnagle, a University of South Carolina graduate, is a marketing specialist at Renvio, a company providing software for dialysis machines. Before that, she worked in finance in Charlotte, North Carolina, climbing the ranks from loan officer assistant to mortgage loan officer. The couple’s history hints at a North Carolina connection—Darnold played for the Carolina Panthers from 2021 to 2022, while Hoofnagle lived and worked there from 2020 to 2024. They went Instagram official in June 2023, though some reports suggest they may have met after Darnold’s trade to the San Francisco 49ers in March 2023.Despite the uncertainty of exact meeting details, the couple is clearly focused on enjoying their engagement. Fans following their journey can expect a post-season wedding celebration, while Darnold continues his quest for a Super Bowl victory with the Seahawks.
