On Monday, Hailey Welch, widely known as the “Hawk Tuah Girl,” sparked intrigue among NFL fans by teasing that her latest romance might involve Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Welch had initially stirred speculation by posting a collage of four potential suitors, including Darnold, on Talk Tuah’s official X account, with a caption reading, “The moment we’ve all been waiting for. The Pookie Reveal – Tuesday.” The post immediately set off a flurry of fan theories and predictions, with many convinced that the young NFL star was her new love interest.
However, the much-anticipated reveal came on Tuesday’s episode of her podcast, where Welch clarified the mystery. Dismissing the speculation about Darnold, she introduced her actual boyfriend, a man named Kelby, effectively putting an end to the whirlwind of dating rumors.
Meanwhile, Sam Darnold, a standout quarterback who’s quickly proven himself with the Vikings, has had quite a journey in the NFL. Following his initial seasons with the New York Jets, a stint with the Carolina Panthers, and a year with the San Francisco 49ers, Darnold joined the Vikings in March on a one-year, $10 million contract. Initially, he was expected to compete with J.J. McCarthy, whom the Vikings drafted in 2024. Yet when McCarthy suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee during the preseason, Darnold was promoted to starting quarterback and even named the team’s offensive captain.
By Week 4, Darnold’s stellar performance had pushed the Vikings to an unbeaten 4-0 record, a milestone they hadn’t reached in eight years. Recognized for his efforts, he was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month. The Vikings now stand at an impressive 7-2, securing a strong position in the NFC North and fueling hopes of a promising season.
Darnold’s debut with the Vikings was nothing short of impressive. In his opening game on September 8 against the New York Giants, he led the team to a decisive 28-6 victory, showcasing his skill with 208 passing yards, two touchdowns, and just one interception. He continued this winning streak against his former team, the 49ers, in Week 2, passing for 268 yards and two touchdowns, including a thrilling 97-yard connection with Justin Jefferson.
Through her quick dismissal of dating rumors, Welch kept the focus on her relationship with Kelby, while Darnold’s remarkable season continues to captivate NFL fans.
