Minneapolis, Minnesota Off the field, J.J. McCarthy, the rookie quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, has a new cause for celebration. In celebration of the birth of their kid, McCarthy and his fiancée Katya Kuropas marked a significant milestone in their relationship.
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On social media, the couple announced the news, shared pictures of their baby, and thanked family, friends, and teammates for their unwavering love and support. McCarthy wrote, “We have so much in our hearts.” “Welcome to the world, little one.”
A Big Year for McCarthy
For McCarthy, 2025 has already been a whirlwind. After a standout career at Michigan that included leading the Wolverines to a national championship, he was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Vikings.
Kevin Seifert is a staff writer who covers the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL at ESPN. Kevin has covered the NFL for over 20 years, joining ESPN in 2008. He was previously a beat reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Washington Times. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia.
Support From Teammates and FansNews of the baby’s arrival quickly spread through the Vikings community, with teammates offering congratulations both privately and publicly. Fans flooded social media with warm wishes, celebrating the family’s happy news and showing excitement for the quarterback’s future on and off the field.A Promising FutureWhile McCarthy focuses on his rookie campaign, he and Kuropas are looking forward to embracing parenthood together. The couple, who got engaged earlier this year, have often shared glimpses of their close bond and support for each other throughout McCarthy’s football journey.For Vikings fans, the announcement adds a heartwarming dimension to the story of their new quarterback.
EAGAN, Minn. — What a week for J.J. McCarthy.
The Minnesota Vikings quarterback left the team facility Thursday morning to be with his fiancée, Katya Kuropas, as the two prepared to welcome a baby boy, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell.
The couple shared in May that they were expecting their first child in September. Kuropas’ labor conveniently waited until after McCarthy’s NFL debut Monday night in Chicago, when he accounted for three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to lead Minnesota to a 27-24 comeback victory over the Chicago Bears.
On Friday, McCarthy and Kuropas announced the birth of their son, Rome Micah McCarthy.
McCarthy traveled home with the team Monday night, participated in game planning work on Tuesday and practiced normally on Wednesday. He took part in meetings on Thursday morning, O’Connell said, but then left to join Kuropas. He is expected to start Sunday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.
“If you seeing this now, congratulations my boy, congratulations,” Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson said after Thursday’s practice, as if he was speaking to McCarthy. “I’m excited for him for this new chapter, this new journey. But after you get done, come on back!”
McCarthy, 22, was the No. 10 overall selection in the 2024 draft. He missed his entire rookie season, however, due to a torn meniscus in his right knee.
