Hawk Tuah girl Haliey Welch dismisses dating rumors with Vikings star Sam Darnold
On Monday, Haliey Welch, also known as the "Hawk Tuah Girl," left NFL fans curious after she hinted that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold may be the one she is dating.
Welch posted a collage of four men, including Darnold, with her at the top via Talk Tuah's official X account:
"The moment we’ve all been waiting for. The Pookie Reveal- Tuesday," Talk Tuah with Haliey Welch captioned.
However, on Tuesday's episode of her podcast, Welch dismissed dating Sam Darnold and instead revealed that she is seeing a man named, Kelby.
Sam Darnold was named the starting QB after J. J. McCarthy injury
After playing for the New York Jets from 2018-2020, the Carolina Panthers from 2021-2022 and the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, Sam Darnold signed a one-year deal worth $10 million with the Vikings in March.
J.J. McCarthy was selected by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL draft and was supposed to be Darnold's competition for the starting QB role. Unfortunately, since the rookie tore his meniscus in his right knee after the preseason opener against the Raiders and was put on the IR, Darnold got the role. Additionally, he was also named the team's offensive captain.
Darnold's debut with the Vikings on Sept. 8 against the New York Giants was electric. He completed his first 12 passes and led his team to a 28-6 win. Moreover, he recorded 208 passing yards, two TDs and one interception.
In Week 2, Darnold faced his former team, the 49ers. He threw for 268 yards and two TDs, including a 97-yard pass to Justin Jefferson. Minnesota won 23-17.
Darnold followed it up with four TDs without a single interception in Week 3 against the Texans. Against the Packers the following week, he threw three TDs in the first half.
Darnold's first month performance pushed the Minnesota Vikings to a 4-0 record — which the team has not achieved in the last eight years.
For his superb performances, Sam Darnold was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Month. The Vikings are 7-2 this season and second in the NFC North.