Who is Sam Darnold’s fiance Katie Hoofnagle? All we know amid NFL player’s engagement

EA Sports Presents The Madden Bowl - Arrivals - Source: Getty
EA Sports Presents The Madden Bowl - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Over the past year, Katie Hoofnagle has become a well-known name among those following Sam Darnold’s life off the field. The NFL quarterback’s engagement to her only confirmed what fans had suspected for a long time—that their connection is deeper than just friendly captions and occasional photos.

Katie Hoofnagle, a graduate of the University of South Carolina, wasn’t just a student-athlete; she was a steady defensive presence in their soccer team.

She moved away from sports and explored new professional paths, each centered around people. Her ascent from assistant to mortgage loan officer in a financial services firm demonstrated her adaptability. Later, she transitioned to the healthcare technology industry, where she now works as an Account Executive at a company renowned for its dialysis EMR software.

From the field to the boardroom, Katie Hoofnagle has kept moving forward, and Darnold’s recent proposal marks the next chapter in that story.

Katie Hoofnagle gets engaged to NFL star Sam Darnold in beachside proposal:

NFC Wild Card Playoffs: Minnesota Vikings v Los Angeles Rams - Source: Getty
NFC Wild Card Playoffs: Minnesota Vikings v Los Angeles Rams - Source: Getty

Big changes came Sam Darnold’s way this year, not just on the field but in his personal life as well. The 28-year-old quarterback embraced a fresh start with the Seattle Seahawks, and just months later, proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Katie Hoofnagle.

Their engagement took place on July 5 in Dana Point, California, as confirmed by People. Darnold and Hoofnagle shared the news through a joint Instagram post, which featured a romantic beachside photo series filled with candid shots of the couple dancing and hugging.

“YES!!!!!” Katie wrote, finishing the post with happiness that needed no explanation. She later shared more moments from the day on her Instagram Stories.

The couple had been quietly dating since at least 2023, with their relationship mostly kept out of the headlines. However, their social media shares gave heartfelt glimpses, especially on occasions like Darnold’s recent birthday. Katie expressed her feelings in an Instagram post.

"Amidst the chaos of our everyday lives, every day spent with you is filled with an abundance of peace, laughter, presence, joy, and love. Here’s to another trip around the sun sharing good meals, good music, and good company," Katie shared.
"Happy 28th birthday to my better half, I love you more." she added.

In February, Katie Hoofnagle celebrated Darnold’s career after they attended the NFL Honors together:

“Such a fun night to close out your 7th year in the league! 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 #14!”

During a recent interview with Us Weekly, Sam Darnold offered fans a rare glimpse into his personal life, speaking openly about how his fiancée, Katie Hoofnagle, helps him stay grounded amid the NFL’s hectic pace.

“The support [from] my girlfriend is unbelievable, you know, the fact that she just understands it,” Darnold said.
“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.

Hoofnagle, who played club soccer while studying at the University of South Carolina, clearly understands the pressure that comes with elite sports. That empathy, according to Darnold, has been crucial.

But when the football schedule slows down, the dynamics change:

“Maybe not so much in the offseason,” he said.
“If she wants to go somewhere and I just want to chill, she’s like, ‘Let’s go out to dinner. We need to go to dinner.’” added Darnold.
“She’s great. She’s always been my biggest supporter. And I love her, and I thank her for that all the time.”

Darnold made it clear that her presence has been nothing short of essential.

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Edited by Yesha Srivastava