Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy is going to be a father

The Minnesota Vikings’ offseason team activities (OTAs) will begin on Wednesday, and no one is more excited than JJ McCarthy, as his head coach Kevin O’Connell has said several times recently.

After failing to keep Daniel Jones from leaving town for easier quarterback competition in Indianapolis and making it clear to other potential veteran signees that McCarthy would get every opportunity to start in week one of the upcoming regular season, the Vikings have all but crowned the redshirt rookie from Michigan as their 2025 starter.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy’s fiance is pregnant.
But the world learnt on Friday, after he announced on Instagram Thursday night, that JJ McCarthy’s girlfriend, Katya Kuropas, is expecting with their first child, a boy. The two, who began dating in high school, have been together for 6.5 years. They made their engagement public in January 2024.

JJ McCarthy is known for his loyalty. That’s part of what makes him such an effective leader. Just ask Jim Harbaugh and his old teammates at Michigan. And, given what we know publicly about this kid, I have little doubt that he will also make an excellent father.

The Minnesota Vikings draughted JJ McCarthy No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the franchise’s highest-drafted quarterback in history. In his final year at Michigan, he threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and only 4 interceptions, while his 72.3% completion rate led the country.

Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy is going to be a father

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy and his fiancée, Katya Kuropas, have shared joyous news: they are expecting their first child, a baby boy, due in September. The couple made the announcement on Instagram, featuring a safari-themed maternity photoshoot. Kuropas captioned the post, “The best surprises come when you least expect them. Our sweet baby boy is arriving in September, and we couldn’t be happier🩵🍼,” to which McCarthy responded with a heartfelt “🤍🙏🏼” .

This announcement comes at a pivotal time for McCarthy, who is poised to take over as the Vikings’ starting quarterback in the upcoming NFL season. Drafted 10th overall in 2024, McCarthy missed his rookie season due to a torn meniscus but has since recovered and is preparing to lead the team . The dual milestones of impending fatherhood and a starting quarterback role mark a significant chapter in McCarthy’s life.

McCarthy and Kuropas have been together since high school and got engaged in January 2024. Their relationship has been a source of inspiration for fans, and the news of their growing family has been met with widespread congratulations from the football community and beyond .

The Vikings organization also extended their congratulations, with the team’s official Instagram account commenting on the couple’s post with a purple heart emoji . This gesture reflects the supportive environment within the team as McCarthy prepares for both personal and professional milestones.

McCarthy’s journey to this point has been marked by resilience and determination. After a stellar college career at the University of Michigan, where he led the Wolverines to a national championship in 2023, McCarthy faced the setback of an injury in his first NFL season. His recovery and readiness to assume the starting quarterback position demonstrate his commitment to the sport and his team .

As the NFL season approaches, McCarthy’s focus will be on balancing the demands of his professional responsibilities with the joys and challenges of impending fatherhood. The support from his fiancée, teammates, and the broader football community will undoubtedly play a crucial role in this balancing act.

The couple’s creative announcement, featuring a safari or Lion King-themed photoshoot, adds a personal and whimsical touch to their news. Such moments offer fans a glimpse into the personal lives of athletes, fostering a deeper connection between players and their supporters .

In addition to his on-field preparations, McCarthy has been actively engaging with fans and the community, further solidifying his role as a leader both on and off the field. His upcoming roles as a father and starting quarterback position him as a central figure in the Vikings’ future.

The announcement has also sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the potential impact of McCarthy’s personal developments on his performance. While balancing family life and professional sports can be challenging, many believe that the stability and motivation derived from fatherhood could positively influence his game.

As September approaches, all eyes will be on McCarthy as he embarks on these significant life changes. The support from his fiancée, team, and fans will be instrumental as he navigates the dual responsibilities of leading the Vikings and embracing fatherhood.