Quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Cooper Kupp are gearing up for the Seattle Seahawks’ 50th season in 2025, focusing on strengthening their on-field connection during the offseason. Both players have been actively participating in voluntary workouts and organized team activities (OTAs) at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Washington, as they prepare to lead the Seahawks’ offense under new coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system.

Darnold, familiar with Kubiak’s strategies from their time together in San Francisco in 2023, has expressed admiration for Kupp’s dedication and work ethic.

“We’ve been out for the last two weeks or so, and Coop has been great. He’s such a hard worker. I feel like he’s always in the quarterback room,”

Darnold told DJ Siddiqi of RG.org, highlighting the strong leadership that Kupp brings to the team during this critical offseason period.

Cooper Kupp, who joined the Seahawks earlier in 2025 on a three-year, $45 million contract, is fully committed to mastering the new offense. Following a productive 2024 season with the Los Angeles Rams, where he posted 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games, Kupp has embraced the challenge of adapting to Seattle’s playbook. His Instagram post captured this focus, sharing a photo of himself in practice with the caption

“Lunch pail to work kind of flow,”

signaling his readiness for the fresh chapter ahead.

Sam Darnold, himself coming off a career-best season with the Minnesota Vikings that included 35 touchdowns and 4,319 passing yards, has also shown strong support for Kupp’s offseason efforts. He reacted enthusiastically to Kupp’s post, commenting simply, “Gotta love ball,” underscoring their shared commitment to team success and proving chemistry on their first season playing together.

How Darnold and Kupp Are Collaborating to Improve Seahawks’ Offense

The partnership between Darnold and Kupp is becoming a central focus of the Seahawks’ offensive strategy in what promises to be a competitive NFC West race. Their teamwork was spotlighted during the Seahawks’ voluntary offseason workouts, where their combined practice sessions gained attention among fans and analysts alike. Earlier in May, Kupp praised Darnold for his help in quickly integrating into the team’s scheme and for the confidence he brings to their collaboration.

“The insights that he [Darnold] shares and the confidence he has… being able to collaborate together and figure out what that looks like for us… it’s been really good,”

Kupp told Seahawks Wire, revealing how their communication has laid the foundation for a smooth offensive transition this season.

With Kupp adjusting to a new environment after eight seasons with the Rams and Darnold bringing his recent MVP-caliber form, the duo’s chemistry is expected to play an important role in Seattle’s hopes to contend within the division.

Sam Darnold’s Significant Personal Milestone Off the Field

Adding to the energy surrounding the Seahawks, Sam Darnold recently shared important personal news that has captivated fans. The USC alumni announced his engagement to longtime girlfriend Katie Hoofnagle via his official social media account on Monday, showcasing a series of beachside photos depicting their romantic proposal in Dana Point, California.

In the post, Darnold expressed his joy simply with the word “YES!!!!!,” reflecting the heartfelt response from Hoofnagle. The images captured intimate moments of the couple embracing, kissing, dancing, and holding hands, illustrating their deep connection and excitement for this new chapter in their lives.

The announcement quickly generated an outpouring of supportive messages from fans and fellow athletes, including Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who recently married actress Hailee Steinfeld. Allen joined in celebrating Darnold’s milestone, emphasizing the close-knit relationships within the NFL community.

Darnold and Hoofnagle’s relationship, which began in 2023, has been marked by mutual support and affection. Hoofnagle’s birthday tribute to Darnold on his 28th birthday described their time together as

“filled with an abundance of peace, laughter, presence, joy, and love,”

celebrating the strong bond they have cultivated. Her heartfelt message continued,

“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.”

This personal milestone matches Darnold’s rising professional trajectory, reflecting a stable foundation both on and off the field.

Implications for Seahawks’ 2025 Campaign

The combination of Sam Darnold’s leadership and Cooper Kupp’s veteran presence represents a dynamic force shaping the Seattle Seahawks’ path for the upcoming season. Both players have committed fully to building their partnership, which is pivotal as the team adopts new offensive schemes and eyes NFC West dominance.

Their offseason work at Virginia Mason Athletic Center and continuous exchange of insights suggest that Seattle is positioning itself for a competitive campaign in a division that features several strong contenders. The Seahawks’ excitement for their 50th season is matched by the determination of this key duo to drive team success, with the potential to elevate Seattle’s offensive performance to new heights.

As fans and analysts watch closely, Darnold and Kupp’s evolving collaboration will be essential to the Seahawks’ efforts to secure wins and contend for playoff positioning in the critical year ahead.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why does Sam Darnold wear 14?

A. The team announced that Darnold will continue wearing number 14, just as he has with all his previous NFL teams. This number became open this offseason when the Seahawks traded wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Q. Is Sam Darnold sober?

A. He stopped drinking alcohol in 1980, even though he started when he was 12 at his parents’ home. Since then, he has dedicated his life to helping teenagers recover from addiction. For many years, he has worked with at-risk young people in Orange County, California. “I haven’t used alcohol or drugs for 38 years,” he said.

Q. Why does Sam Darnold wear number 14?

A. Darnold is expected to wear Metcalf’s previous No. 14 jersey, just like he did last year with the Minnesota Vikings. Throughout his NFL career, including his time with the Vikings, as well as the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and New York Jets, he has always worn the No. 14 jersey.

Q. What disease did Sam Darnold get?

A. Darnold appeared on ESPN’s The Michael Kay Show for his regular segment and was questioned about how he got mono, often called “the kissing disease.” He replied, chuckling, “I’m not sure, guys. It’s one of those tricky diseases. You can have it for months before it really affects you.”