The Viral Deception: 5 Shocking Facts About The Hailey Welch And Sam Darnold Dating Rumor

The internet rumor mill exploded in mid-2025 with speculation that viral sensation Hailey Welch, famously known as the "Hawk Tuah Girl," was dating NFL quarterback Sam Darnold. This sensational story, fueled by cryptic social media posts, captivated millions of fans who were eager to see the social media influencer couple up with a high-profile athlete. However, as of today, December 14, 2025, the reality is far more surprising than the initial buzz, with both individuals having very distinct and public relationships.

The alleged romance turned out to be a classic case of viral misdirection, a narrative quickly debunked by Welch herself. While the internet loves a good crossover story, the truth reveals that Sam Darnold is not only off the market but recently celebrated a major personal milestone, completely unrelated to the viral star. This article dives deep into the facts, the fiction, and the real people in both of their lives.

The Complete Profiles: Sam Darnold and Hailey Welch

To understand the magnitude of the rumor, one must first look at the profiles of the two people involved: a veteran NFL quarterback and a sudden viral internet celebrity.

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Sam Darnold Biography & Profile

• Full Name: Samuel Richard Darnold
• Born: June 5, 1997 (Age 28 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Dana Point, California
• Parents: Mike Darnold (Father, former offensive lineman at University of Redlands) and Chris Darnold (Mother, former Long Beach City College volleyball player)
• Sibling: Franki Darnold (Sister, played Division I volleyball)
• College: University of Southern California (USC)
• NFL Draft: 1st Round, 3rd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft (New York Jets)
• Current NFL Team (2025): Seattle Seahawks Quarterback
• Relationship Status: Engaged to Katie Hoofnagle (Proposed July 2025)
• Previous Teams: New York Jets (2018–2020), Carolina Panthers (2021–2022), San Francisco 49ers (2023), Minnesota Vikings (2024)

Hailey Welch Biography & Profile

• Known As: The "Hawk Tuah Girl"
• Full Name: Hailey Welch
• Born: July 13, 2002 (Age 23 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: North Carolina, United States
• Zodiac Sign: Cancer
• Occupation: Social Media Influencer, Entrepreneur
• Claim to Fame: Viral interview clip from a Nashville street, featuring the phrase "Hawk Tuah" and a memorable description of kissing.
• Relationship Status: Dating Kelby, a plumber affectionately nicknamed "Pookie."

The Truth Behind the 'Hawk Tuah Girl' and NFL Star Rumor

The speculation connecting Hailey Welch and Sam Darnold reached a fever pitch in mid-2025, shortly after Welch’s "Hawk Tuah" video achieved global notoriety. The rumor was a perfect storm of curiosity and internet gossip, blending a viral personality with a recognizable sports figure.

The initial confusion began when Hailey Welch teased her followers about dating an NFL star, even posting a cropped photo that some fans believed featured Darnold. This deliberate ambiguity led to countless articles and social media posts linking the two, driving immense traffic and engagement.

However, the truth was revealed on her own platform. Hailey Welch officially dismissed the rumors, confirming that the NFL star was not her boyfriend. Instead, she introduced the world to her actual partner, a man named Kelby, whom she affectionately calls "Pookie." Kelby is reportedly a plumber, a stark contrast to the professional football celebrity the public had imagined.

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This revelation provided a unique lesson in the power of social media hype and the rapid spread of misinformation. While Darnold was playing for the Minnesota Vikings during the initial viral surge, the dating rumors were definitively quashed, proving the connection was entirely baseless.

Sam Darnold’s Real-Life Relationship: Engaged to Katie Hoofnagle

While the internet was busy connecting Sam Darnold to a viral sensation, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback was focused on a much more serious and long-term relationship. Darnold is happily engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Katie Hoofnagle.

The couple, who are both California natives, have kept their relationship relatively private, though Hoofnagle began publicly sharing photos of them on social media around Darnold's 26th birthday in June 2023.

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The major update that definitively ended any lingering dating rumors came in July 2025 when Darnold proposed to Katie Hoofnagle in Dana Point, California. The engagement was a celebrated event among their close friends and family, marking a significant milestone in Darnold’s personal life as he prepares for the 2025 NFL season with the Seattle Seahawks.

Katie Hoofnagle is a public relations professional and has been a consistent presence in Darnold's life throughout his NFL career, which has seen him play for the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings before landing in Seattle.

5 Key Takeaways on the Viral Crossover That Wasn’t

The Hailey Welch and Sam Darnold rumor is a perfect example of how quickly celebrity gossip can take hold, even when completely false. Here are the five most important facts to remember about this viral narrative:

1. The Rumor Was False: Despite strong speculation, Hailey Welch was never dating Sam Darnold. She confirmed her boyfriend is a man named Kelby, a plumber she calls "Pookie."
2. Sam Darnold is Engaged: The NFL QB proposed to his real-life girlfriend, Katie Hoofnagle, in July 2025. This event occurred while the 'Hawk Tuah' buzz was still fresh, providing a clear counter-narrative.
3. The "Hawk Tuah Girl" is Hailey Welch: The social media star’s real name is Hailey Welch, an entrepreneur and influencer who gained rapid fame for her memorable phrase and interview style.
4. Darnold’s 2025 Team: Sam Darnold is currently the quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks for the 2025 NFL season, having signed a contract after his tenure with the Vikings.
5. Darnold’s Private Life: Before Hoofnagle, Darnold maintained a very private dating history, with one known previous relationship with Claire Kirksey during his USC years. His focus has largely remained on his professional career.

In conclusion, the sensational story of the 'Hawk Tuah Girl' and the NFL star was little more than an internet fantasy. Sam Darnold and Katie Hoofnagle are planning their wedding, while Hailey Welch is enjoying her viral fame alongside her boyfriend, Kelby. The truth, in this case, is far more grounded than the clickbait headlines suggested.