Austin Hooper's Personal Milestone: A Romantic California Wedding
While life in the NFL typically moves at a breakneck pace, certain moments are designed to bring everything to a beautiful standstill. For Austin Hooper, the New England Patriots tight end, that special moment arrived this spring not on the gridiron, but amidst the serene vineyards of California's wine country. Hooper recently exchanged vows with his longtime partner, Roxie "Drew" Jackson, celebrating a deeply personal milestone after years of building a life together away from the public eye.
The Intimate Yountville Ceremony
The couple tied the knot on April 12 in a relaxed and romantic ceremony held at The Estate Yountville in Yountville, California. Approximately 120 close friends and family members attended, ensuring the celebration remained intimate and personal rather than extravagant. This setting perfectly reflected the couple's preference for meaningful connections over flashy displays.
Roxie Jackson: The Woman Behind the NFL Star
While fans recognize Hooper for his steady performance as a tight end, many are now discovering the woman who has stood by his side throughout much of his NFL journey. In a heartfelt interview with People magazine before the wedding, Jackson opened up about the core of their relationship. "The foundation of our love is a deep friendship, which will only strengthen in marriage," she explained. She also shared insights into their future, stating, "[In] the next couple of years, you can expect more of the same — being each other's biggest cheerleaders for all things in life, trying new restaurants in new cities and traveling before we start a family."
A Seven-Year Journey: From Friendship to Forever
Their love story began over seven years ago through mutual friends while both were coincidentally traveling in the Bay Area. Surprisingly, they discovered they both resided in Atlanta, a fortunate coincidence that quickly evolved into a serious relationship. Reflecting on their meeting, Jackson sees it as far from random. A month before the wedding, she expressed on Instagram, "Looking back, there's always been an invisible string tying us together, but if anything fell out of place, we never would've met. God's perfect timing. Soon, we will tie the knot of our forever string."
The Engagement and Future Family Dreams
Hooper proposed in July 2024, officially announcing the engagement on Instagram on July 17. Jackson later revealed the proposal had actually occurred three days earlier, on July 14. The elegant ring spoke for itself, but the couple's excitement was unmistakable. Looking ahead, family is a central theme in their plans. Jackson summarized their shared aspirations simply, telling PEOPLE, "Austin and I are mostly excited to expand our family. We dream about carrying on traditions and establishing new ones for the family that we will build together."
Balancing NFL Demands with Personal Joy
For Austin Hooper, this marriage introduces a cherished balance to the rigorous demands of his professional football career. It offers him a grounded, supportive partnership away from the field. For fans and followers, it provides a rare and heartwarming glimpse into the personal life behind the helmet, showcasing the values and relationships that shape the athlete beyond his sporting achievements.
The wedding of Austin Hooper and Roxie Jackson stands as a testament to enduring love built on friendship, shared experiences, and mutual support, marking a beautiful new chapter for the couple as they embark on their journey together.
