Sam Darnold sealed the Seattle Seahawks’ NFC Championship victory with a kiss.
Darnold, 28, and fiancée Katie Hoofnagle took to the field after the Seahawks’ 31-27 triumph over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, January 25, where the couple shared a sweet peck on the lips to celebrate the team moving on to the 2026 Super Bowl.
Hoofnagle watched from the sidelines as her quarterback fiancé threw for three touchdowns in the championship game.
The marketing specialist showed support for Darnold by wearing a pair of wide-leg jeans featuring his jersey number, 14, in a silver patch on the ankle, as well as the athlete’s signature on one of the back pockets. Hoofnagle paired the jeans with a black zip-up jacket, silver slingbacks and a matching clutch purse.
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Hoofnagle took to her Instagram Story during Sunday’s game to show off her ensemble, as well as a close-up of the custom jeans. Additionally, she shared a clip of Darnold running up to her on the sidelines to give her a hug and kiss before heading back onto the field.
Another clip showed Darnold hoisting the Seahawks’ championship trophy in the air as confetti rained down on him.
“LFG 14!” Hoofnagle wrote over the video.
Darnold and Hoofnagle got engaged on the beach in Dana Point, California, in July 2025.
“A couple more from the best day ever🕊️ here’s to forever together,” Hoofnagle captioned photos from the proposal.
Darnold gushed about Hoofnagle’s support exclusively to Us Weekly in March 2025 after he signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks following a season with the Minnesota Vikings.
“The support [from] my girlfriend is unbelievable,” he said at the time. “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.”
Darnold added that Hoofnagle, whom he began dating in 2023, helps him get out of the house once football season is over.
“Maybe not so much in the offseason,” he continued. “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.’”
Darnold concluded, “She’s great. She’s always been my biggest supporter. And I love her, and I thank her for that all the time.”
Hoofnagle has also expressed gratitude to Darnold for allowing her to be by his side in his journey.
“Such a fun night to close out your 7th year in the league!” she captioned a photo from the NFL Honors shared via Instagram in February 2025. “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!”
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Later, in a June 2025 birthday tribute to Darnold, Hoofnagle wrote, “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. Happy 28th birthday to my better half, I love you more 🤍.”
Darnold is set to play with the Seahawks in the Super Bowl on February 8 against the New England Patriots, who beat the Denver Broncos 10-7 in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.
