NFL Quarterback Sam Darnold Makes Life-Changing Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 10:32 PM ET

After stints with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers, Sam Darnold landed with the Minnesota Vikings for 2024.

He led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, set career highs with 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.

Following a Pro Bowl resurgence with the Vikings in 2024, Darnold inked a three‑year, $100.5 million deal with the Seahawks this past March.

As Darnold gears up for his first year as a Seahawk, he made another exciting announcement on Monday.

On his official Instagram account, he shared photos of himself and longtime partner Katie Hoofnagle, captioned simply, “Forever starts now ,” confirming they are engaged.

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A post shared by Katie Hoofnagle (@_hoofy)

Hoofnagle, a 2020 University of South Carolina graduate, parlayed her marketing and business administration degree into roles ranging from mortgage‑loan officer assistant to account executive at Minneapolis‑based Renvio.

Darnold and Hoofnagle first went public with their relationship in April 2023, lived together in Minneapolis and now will continue their journey together in Seattle.

Darnold, meanwhile, will enter a season under center for a team in need of a spark.

The Seahawks finished with a strong 10-7 record last year but missed out on the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

To make matters worse, the franchise experienced significant turnover this offseason.

Seattle lost Geno Smith, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, replacing them with Darnold, rookie Jalen Milroe and veteran Pro Bowl receiver Cooper Kupp.

As the Seahawks gear up for training camp in the coming weeks, all eyes remain on No. 14.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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