Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy is out for the season after undergoing surgery to repair his torn right meniscus.
This marks the first time in NFL history that a first-round quarterback has suffered a season-ending injury during the preseason. The news shocked the NFL world, which had just been celebrating McCarthy’s outstanding preseason debut against the Las Vegas Raiders. Many players, analysts, and fans offered their condolences to McCarthy on social media, and the quarterback’s fiancee also showed her support with a heartfelt message.
Katya Kuropas Shows Support For Her Fiancee With Heartfelt Message
The No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft had a terrific preseason debut against the Raiders, going 11 for 17 and throwing for 188 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
However, after the game, McCarthy’s knee was sore and subsequent tests confirmed he tore his meniscus. Now, the 21-year-old will try to get mental reps and learn from the sidelines throughout his rookie campaign.
“Love you Viking nation. I’ll be back in no time. Amor fati,” McCarthy tweeted after suffering the injury.
Love you Viking nation. I’ll be back in no time. Amor fati
— J.J. McCarthy (@jjmccarthy09) August 13, 2024
He also posted the following quote on his Instagram: “A blazing fire makes flame and brightness out of everything that is thrown into it.” ~ Marcus Aurelius #AMORFATI
One of the top comments on that Instagram post is from McCarthy’s fiancee, Katya Kuropas, who responded: “My hero”
McCarthy and Kuropas are high-school sweethearts who have been dating since Oct. 8, 2018, when McCarthy was a sophomore at Nazareth Academy in Illinois.
Even after he transferred across the country to IMG Academy in Florida to prioritize his high school football career, the couple stayed together and made things work from long distance.
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In January 2024, McCarthy proposed to Kuropas, who said yes. McCarthy announced their engagement with the caption: “To my love Katya …. You are my soulmate, best friend, and my rock,” he shared in a lengthy Instagram post at the time. “I am so blessed to be your partner now and forever. I am so excited to continue our journey together.”
McCarthy credits Kuropas with helping him achieve his NFL dream and helping him realize his full potential on and off the field.
“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,” McCarthy posted on Instagram in 2021. “The pureness in her heart and soul is just one [of] the many qualities that make this girl so incredible.”
It’s unfortunate that the start of McCarthy’s NFL career hasn’t gone according to plan, but at least he has a strong support system around him, led by his loving fiancee.