The Viral Truth: 5 Surprising Facts About The Sam Darnold And Hailey Welch 'Hawk Tuah' Dating Rumor

The internet was set ablaze in late 2024 with a surprising rumor: NFL quarterback Sam Darnold was reportedly dating the viral sensation known as the 'Hawk Tuah Girl,' Hailey Welch. The speculation instantly became one of the most talked-about celebrity pairings, merging the world of professional football with the unpredictable landscape of social media fame. The idea of the Seattle Seahawks star linking up with the woman behind one of the year’s biggest catchphrases was a perfect storm for online gossip.

However, as is often the case with viral celebrity news, the reality behind the headlines is far more complex and, frankly, much more interesting. The story of Hailey Welch and Sam Darnold is not a love story, but a fascinating case study in how quickly internet rumors can spiral and how the truth is often stranger than fiction. As of December 2025, we have the definitive, updated facts about both individuals, their actual romantic partners, and the complete debunking of the sensational dating reports.

Complete Biography and Relationship Status: Sam Darnold, Hailey Welch, and Their Real Partners

To understand the context of the viral rumor, it is essential to first know the key players involved. The reality is that both Sam Darnold and Hailey Welch are in committed relationships—just not with each other.

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Sam Darnold: NFL Quarterback and Engaged Man

• Full Name: Samuel Richard Darnold
• Date of Birth: June 5, 1997
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 28
• Hometown: Capistrano Beach, California
• College: University of Southern California (USC)
• NFL Career Highlights: Drafted 3rd overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft. Also played for the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers. Currently the quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks (2025 season). [cite: 7, 9, 13 from step 1, 7 from step 2]
• Actual Partner: Katie Hoofnagle
• Relationship Status: Engaged. Darnold proposed to Katie Hoofnagle, a former collegiate soccer player from Northern California who played for the University of South Carolina. The couple went Instagram-official in 2023, and their engagement news was widely shared in 2024. [cite: 9, 10, 13 from step 1, 8, 10 from step 2]

Hailey Welch: 'Hawk Tuah Girl' and Internet Sensation

• Full Name: Haliey Welch (sometimes spelled Hailey)
• Date of Birth: July 13, 2002 (Approximate)
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 22-23
• Hometown: Belfast, Tennessee
• Claim to Fame: Gained massive viral fame in June 2024 for her "Hawk Tuah" catchphrase during a street interview in Nashville. The soundbite and her unique delivery quickly became a global internet meme, leading to her becoming known as the 'Hawk Tuah Girl' and launching her career as an internet personality and influencer. [cite: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 from step 2]
• Actual Partner: Kelby (affectionately called "Pookie")
• Relationship Status: Dating. Welch publicly revealed and confirmed her boyfriend is Kelby, a plumber, on her podcast, effectively shutting down the Darnold rumors. [cite: 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 from step 1]

The Anatomy of a Viral Rumor: How the Darnold-Welch Story Exploded

The dating speculation between the NFL star and the internet personality was a classic example of a rumor that gained traction through minimal, ambiguous evidence. The initial spark occurred in late 2024, when a teaser for a podcast or social media post featured a photo of Sam Darnold and Hailey Welch together. [cite: 2 from step 1]

This single image, often taken out of context, was enough to send the internet into a frenzy. Fans and gossip sites quickly began to connect the dots, speculating that the two had met through mutual friends, possibly in the sports or entertainment circles of Nashville, where Welch gained her fame, or in a major NFL city. The juxtaposition of a high-profile professional athlete and a sudden, quirky viral star created an irresistible narrative for social media users.

The timing also played a role. Darnold, who had recently signed with the Minnesota Vikings before moving to the Seattle Seahawks, was a popular figure, and Welch’s ‘Hawk Tuah’ fame was still at its peak. The rumor provided fresh, unexpected content that transcended both the sports and influencer niches, giving it massive reach across multiple platforms. [cite: 6 from step 1]

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The Definitive Debunking: Sam Darnold is Engaged, Hailey Welch Has 'Pookie'

The sensational dating rumors were definitively put to rest by the only two people who mattered: Hailey Welch and Sam Darnold himself, through his established relationship. The truth confirmed that the photo was likely a brief meeting, perhaps for a podcast appearance or a celebrity event, rather than a romantic rendezvous.

Hailey Welch’s Public Clarification

Hailey Welch took to her own podcast to address the speculation head-on. She made it clear that she was not dating the NFL quarterback. Instead, she introduced the world to her actual boyfriend, a man named Kelby, whom she affectionately calls "Pookie." [cite: 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 from step 1]

Welch described Kelby as a plumber, a detail that delighted many of her fans, as it grounded her post-fame life in normalcy and authenticity. This reveal was a powerful moment that highlighted the difference between manufactured celebrity gossip and her real, private life. The 'Hawk Tuah Girl' confirmed her heart belongs to a non-celebrity, a man who supports her new career as an influencer.

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Sam Darnold’s Confirmed Engagement to Katie Hoofnagle

On the other side of the rumor, Sam Darnold’s relationship status was also firmly established. The quarterback is engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Katie Hoofnagle. [cite: 9, 10, 13 from step 1]

Katie Hoofnagle is a private, yet supportive, partner who has been a consistent presence in Darnold’s life, particularly as he navigated his career transitions from the New York Jets to the Carolina Panthers, the San Francisco 49ers, and most recently, the Seattle Seahawks. Their engagement was a major milestone, with photos and details shared publicly in 2024, long after the 'Hawk Tuah' rumor began to circulate. [cite: 9, 10 from step 1, 7, 8, 10 from step 2]

Why the Rumor Still Matters: Topical Authority and LSI Entities

While the dating rumor was false, it remains a significant cultural footnote that connects several key topical entities in the current media landscape. The sheer virality of the story highlights the public's fascination with cross-industry celebrity pairings, particularly between the high-stakes world of the NFL and the fast-paced life of an internet influencer.

The debunking of the rumor also provides valuable topical authority on the true relationship statuses of both figures. For Sam Darnold, the focus should remain on his career with the Seattle Seahawks and his upcoming wedding to fiancée Katie Hoofnagle. For Hailey Welch, the narrative is about her sustained career as the 'Hawk Tuah Girl,' her business ventures, and her relationship with her plumber boyfriend, Kelby, or "Pookie."

• Key Entities Confirmed: Sam Darnold, Hailey Welch, Katie Hoofnagle, Kelby (Pookie), 'Hawk Tuah Girl', NFL, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, Viral Fame, Internet Personality, Podcast.

In conclusion, the sensational story of Hailey Welch and Sam Darnold dating was nothing more than a fleeting internet fantasy. The two individuals are happily committed to their respective partners, proving that sometimes, the most surprising truth is simply that a rumor is just a rumor.