The Seattle Seahawks meet the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game feels like a playoff game, and the spotlight is on Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold after a season of steady growth and fewer mistakes. Darnold settled into Seattle this year, showing poise and helping the offense stay competitive in big moments.
Off the field, Darnold’s life has been quieter and happier. He and Katie Hoofnagle went Instagram-official in 2023, and their relationship has grown steadily. Hoofnagle graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2020 with a marketing degree and a nutrition minor. She worked in Charlotte at a loan management firm from 2020-23, then moved into healthcare technology.
Since October 2024 she has been an account manager at Renvio, a company that builds dialysis machine software.
The couple’s timeline appears across social posts. Hoofnagle announced their relationship with a June 5 birthday tribute per People: “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!” They supported each other while Darnold played for the Panthers in 2021–22.
Hoofnagle’s Instagram shows daily life. FaceTime puzzle snaps, appearances at the Jessie Rees Foundation, off-season trips, sideline cheers and small gestures like a “14” necklace. She has written thankful notes, including “standing by your side is a blessing that I’ll never take for granted.” Darnold has praised her too, calling the support he gets from her “unbelievable.”
In July 2025 Darnold proposed in Dana Point, California, according to People.
The couple announced the engagement with beach photos and the excited caption “YES!!!!!” Hoofnagle later added, “from the best day ever🕊️ here’s to forever together.” With a mix of public celebrations and quiet moments, they now look forward to life together, family and memories.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.