Former Michigan, Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy became a father as his fiancée, Katya Kuropas, gave birth to their son on Thursday. Coach Kevin O’Connell announced McCarthy’s absence from practice due to the joyous occasion. The team expressed their support for the young couple as McCarthy balances his NFL debut with the responsibilities of fatherhood.

 J.J. McCarthy is now a father. On Thursday, September 11, 2025, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell told reporters in Minneapolis that McCarthy missed practice because his fiancée, Katya Kuropas, gave birth to their son. The news came as the Vikings continued their Week 2 preparations. O’Connell said the team was thrilled for the young couple, and players quickly sent congratulations. McCarthy, 21, had been open earlier this year about how excited he was to welcome his first child during his first NFL season.Kevin O’Connell confirmed McCarthy’s absence at the team facility on Thursday. He explained, “J.J. is with Katya right now. They welcomed their baby boy today. We are so happy for them, and he has all of our support.”

The coach did not share further personal details, respecting the family’s privacy. McCarthy had been splitting first-team reps during practice, and his absence was immediately noticed. Teammates, including veteran wide receiver Justin Jefferson, said they were thrilled for the quarterback. The Vikings adjusted practice as McCarthy focused on his family milestone.
Back in May 2025, McCarthy and Katya Kuropas revealed on Instagram that they were expecting their first child in September. The post featured the couple smiling with the caption: “Our sweet baby boy is arriving in September and we couldn’t be happier.” Also Read: Patrick Mahomes Quiet After Charlie Kirk Shooting At Utah As Randi Mahomes And Tavia Hunt Speaks OutThe young couple, both 21, had been dating since high school and got engaged last year. McCarthy often spoke about how becoming a father would change his life, saying in an offseason interview, “It’s going to be the biggest blessing, and I can’t wait for this next chapter.”The timing of the birth comes just days after McCarthy’s regular-season NFL debut with Minnesota. The rookie quarterback entered the year with big expectations, and now he begins balancing the demands of professional football with fatherhood. For now, the Vikings have said family comes first, and they look forward to McCarthy’s return after he spends time with Katya and their newborn son.

Who Is J.J. McCarthy’s Fiancée? All About His High School Sweetheart Katya Kuropas

J.J. McCarthy and his fiancée, Katya Kuropas, are now officially parents.

On Sept. 12, the couple announced the birth of their first child, son Rome Micah McCarthy, after first revealing that they were expecting in a May 2025 Instagram post.

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback began dating Kuropas while they were still in high school at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Ill. The pair got engaged in January 2024, announcing the news on Instagram as they shared snapshots from their sweet photoshoot.

In honor of Kuropas’ birthday in January 2025, McCarthy shared a heartfelt message to his “Queen” on Instagram, writing that there is “never a J without a K standing her ground behind him.”

“She’s my everything – my muse, my rock, and the heart of my universe,” he wrote. “For what is a flame without its wick. A Viking without a star to guide him. Thank you forever, my love, for never wavering when the inevitable storms arise on our voyage together.”

So, who is J.J. McCarthy’s fiancée? Here’s everything to know about Katya Kuropas and her relationship with the athlete.

They met in high school

McCarthy and Kuropas began dating on Oct. 8, 2018, when he was a sophomore in high school. Though he transferred from Nazareth Academy to IMG Academy due to the cancellation of the football season at Nazareth during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pair stayed together.

On their third anniversary in 2021, McCarthy expressed his gratitude for Kuropas’ unwavering support in an Instagram post.

“3 trips around the sun with the love of my life,” he wrote in the caption. “I honestly do not even know where I would be without this girl in my life. I simply do not deserve her because of the kind of woman she is. The pureness in her heart and soul is just one the many qualities that make this girl so incredible.”