For Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold and his fiancée Katie Hoefnagle, winning a Super Bowl would double as a wedding gift.
Hoefnagle, who got engaged in July 2025, has stood by Darnold, 28, as he navigated his NFL career, notably during his recent time in Seattle, where he secured a spot in the 2026 Super Bowl in his first year on the team.
Let’s take a closer look at Darnold’s biggest supporter.
Educational Background
Hoefnagle graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2020, majoring in Marketing and minoring in Nutrition and Food Systems, according to LinkedIn.
While in school, she was involved in Chi Omega sorority and played on the women’s club soccer team.
Darnold was drafted third overall by the Jets in 2018, then traded to the Panthers in 2021, which was right after Hoefnagle finished her studies. He spent two seasons playing in Carolina.
Going Public
Hoefnagle publicly declared her relationship with Darnold on Instagram in April 2023, sharing a heartfelt series of “Happy Little Moments.”
In June of that year, she celebrated his birthday with a touching tribute.
“Your big heart, goofy energy, and ability to quote every movie you’ve ever seen are unparalleled. Happy 26th birthday! Celebrating you is effortless!” she said.
A Supportive Partner
Hoefnagle was a strong support system for Darnold during the 2024 season in Minnesota, where he had a remarkable comeback, finishing with a 14-3 record.
“I’m so proud of everything you’ve achieved, but I’m even prouder of who you are and who you’re becoming. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey, Sam. Standing by your side is a blessing I don’t take for granted. LFG,” she expressed after the season, when he threw for 35 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions, and earned a nomination for Comeback Player of the Year.
Darnold signed a three-year, $100 million deal with the Seahawks in March 2025.
Engagement Announcement
Just before the 2025 regular season kicked off, Darnold and Hoefnagle shared their engagement news.
“Yes!!!!!” she wrote in a joint Instagram post, tagged in Dana Point, California, where Darnold was born.
He gifted her a stunning radiant cut diamond ring on a pavé band.
Super Bowl Bound
The Seahawks, having finished the regular season with a 14-3 record, secured their spot in the playoffs in January 2026 as the NFC’s top seed.
Seattle triumphed over rivals San Francisco with a 41-6 win in the divisional round, setting the stage for a conference championship game against the Rams.
Darnold had a stellar performance in a nail-biting 31-27 victory over Los Angeles, completing 25 out of 36 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns.
He and Hoefnagle marked the moment with a kiss at Lumen Field.
“I’m not done yet!!!” she posted on Instagram, while Darnold replied simply, “Yay done.”
