The internet is a wild place. One minute you’re sitting at a football game minding your own business, and the next, half of Twitter is convinced you’re having a baby with a billionaire three times your age. That’s exactly what happened to Hayden Hopkins. For a long time, the name Hayden Hopkins was synonymous with a weird, persistent rumor involving Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis. But the real story? It’s actually about Joey Gallo and Hayden Hopkins.
Let’s be honest: the "mystery blonde" headlines from 2022 were relentless. When Hopkins was spotted in Davis's owner's box, the speculation caught fire. People love a "sugar daddy" narrative, especially in Vegas. But as the dust settled and the ultrasound photos started appearing on Instagram, the truth turned out to be much more grounded in the world of professional sports—just a different sport entirely.
The Mark Davis Distraction
You probably remember the photo. It was December 2022. Hayden was sitting next to Mark Davis at a Raiders-Chargers game. Because she’s a stunning professional dancer and he’s... well, the guy with the most famous bowl cut in sports, the internet did what it does. They assumed they were a couple.
Fast forward to April 2024. Hayden announces she’s pregnant.
Immediately, the "aggregator" accounts went into overdrive. Dov Kleiman and other social media personalities essentially "congratulated" Mark Davis on becoming a father at 69. It was a mess. Even Pat McAfee mentioned it on his show. It was a classic case of a lie traveling around the world before the truth could even get its boots on.
Setting the Record Straight on Joey Gallo and Hayden Hopkins
Hayden didn’t stay quiet for long. She took to X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to shut it down. She called the rumors "wildly untrue" and expressed how the fake stories were ruining what should have been her happiest days. This is where the name Joey Gallo finally entered the public chat in a big way.
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She basically said, "Hey, it’s Joey."
While she was initially somewhat private about the full name, TMZ and other outlets quickly confirmed that the "Joey" in question was none other than MLB star Joey Gallo. At the time, Gallo was playing for the Washington Nationals. It turns out the two had been in a relationship that they kept largely off the grid. Honestly, in an era where every "WAG" is trying to launch a reality show, their privacy was almost refreshing.
Reports later surfaced that this wasn't some accidental tabloid drama. It was a planned pregnancy. They were excited. They were ready. And most importantly, Mark Davis was just a "neighbor and friend" who had invited her to a game because of her ties to the Vegas dance scene and the Raiderettes.
Who is Hayden Hopkins?
If you aren't a dance nerd, you might not realize Hayden is a big deal in her own right. She’s not just an "Instagram model." She spent years as a standout performer in Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère in Las Vegas.
- Professional Background: Elite-level dancer and choreographer.
- Vegas Connection: She lived and worked in Las Vegas for years, which is where the Gallo connection likely started (he’s a Vegas native).
- Social Reach: She’s built a following of over 200,000 on Instagram by sharing her fitness, dance, and now, motherhood journey.
Who is Joey Gallo?
Joey is a 10-year MLB veteran known for two things: massive home runs and a lot of strikeouts. He’s a "true outcomes" hitter. He’s played for the Rangers, Yankees, Dodgers, Twins, and Nationals.
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Off the field, he’s always been pretty low-key. He doesn't post his entire life on TikTok. That’s probably why the public was so blindsided by the news. They hadn't seen them "hard launch" on Instagram, so they assumed she was single or dating the guy she was seen with in the VIP box.
The Arrival of Capulet Lilac Gallo
In October 2024, the rumors were officially put to bed with the best kind of evidence: a birth announcement. Hayden shared the news of their daughter’s arrival.
Capulet Lilac Gallo. That’s the name. It’s unique, a bit poetic, and definitely solidifies the Gallo lineage. Hayden called the baby "heaven on earth." Since then, she’s been documenting the reality of being a "postpartum queen," even clapping back at trolls who tried to body-shame her just weeks after giving birth. She recently posted a comparison photo in the same bikini she wore during her second trimester, proving that professional dancers have a different kind of muscle memory entirely.
Why Does This Story Still Matter?
The saga of Joey Gallo and Hayden Hopkins is a perfect case study in how modern celebrity rumors work. It shows how a single photo from 2022 can be weaponized two years later to create a completely false narrative.
It also highlights the "aggregator" problem. Sites and accounts post things for engagement without fact-checking, and once a guy like Pat McAfee says it on a live broadcast, it becomes "fact" to millions of people. McAfee did eventually apologize, which is rare in that world, but the damage to Hayden's peace of mind during her pregnancy was already done.
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Key Takeaways from the Timeline
- Dec 2022: The infamous "Owner's Box" photo with Mark Davis.
- April 2024: Hayden announces pregnancy; internet incorrectly blames Mark Davis.
- May 2024: Hayden denies Davis rumors and identifies "Joey" as the father.
- Oct 2024: Capulet Lilac Gallo is born.
- May 2025: Hayden goes viral again for her "post-baby body" transformation and shuts down critics.
Moving Forward
If you're following this for the "tea," the pot has mostly cooled. Hayden and Joey seem focused on co-parenting and their respective careers. While you won't find a million "couple goals" photos on their grids—Gallo is notoriously private—the birth of their daughter has linked them forever in the public eye.
If you want to keep up with the story, the best way is to follow Hayden directly on Instagram rather than relying on the "NFL news" accounts that got it so wrong the first time. She's been very open about her fitness routines and the realities of being a new mom in the spotlight.
Actionable Insights:
- Verify before you share: The Dov Kleiman situation shows that even "verified" accounts get it wrong. Check primary sources (like the person’s actual IG) before believing a headline.
- Support the creator: Hayden is a professional athlete in her own right (dance is grueling). Her content on core recovery and postpartum fitness is actually quite valuable for anyone in that phase of life.
- Respect the privacy: Just because a couple doesn't post together doesn't mean there's "trouble in paradise." Some people just prefer to keep their home life off the timeline.
Ultimately, the story of Joey Gallo and Hayden Hopkins is a reminder that the real lives of athletes and dancers are often much more normal—and much more planned—than the chaotic rumors suggest. No billionaires, no secret "paydays," just a couple starting a family and navigating the weirdness of internet fame.