Who is Austin Hooper’s wife Roxie “Drew” Jackson? Inside the love story of the Patriots tight end that began with friendship

Life in the NFL often moves fast, but some moments are meant to slow everything down. For Austin Hooper, that moment came this spring, not on a football field, but in California wine country. The New England Patriots tight end recently married longtime partner Roxie “Drew” Jackson, marking a personal milestone after years of building a life together away from the spotlight. Fans know Hooper for his steady presence at tight end, but many are just learning about the woman who has been beside him through much of his NFL journey. Their relationship stretches back years, shaped by shared experiences, chance timing, and a foundation that both once described as friendship first.Hooper married Roxie Drew Jackson on April 12 in a relaxed, romantic ceremony held at The Estate Yountville in Yountville, California. Around 120 close friends and family members attended, keeping the celebration intimate and personal rather than flashy. Ahead of the wedding, Jackson spoke openly about what holds their relationship together. In an interview with People, she explained, "The foundation of our love is a deep friendship, which will only strengthen in marriage." She also shared what the next phase of their life looks like, saying, "[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."Their story began more than seven years ago through mutual friends while both happened to be traveling in the Bay Area. At the time, they were surprised to learn they lived in Atlanta, a coincidence that quickly turned into something more serious. Looking back, Jackson sees that meeting as anything but random."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🥹," she wrote on Instagram a month before the wedding.Hooper proposed in July 2024, announcing the engagement on Instagram on July 17. Jackson revealed the proposal had taken place three days earlier, on July 14. The ring needed no explanation, but the excitement behind it was clear. As they looked ahead, family is already part of the conversation. Jackson summed up their shared hopes 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."For Hooper, marriage adds balance to a demanding career. For fans, it offers a glimpse into the grounded, personal life behind the helmet.