Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy put together a spectacular collegiate career as quarterback of the Michigan Wolverines, culminating in a national championship win over the Washington Huskies this past season.
He led the Wolverines to a 27-1 record as a starter (including 3-0 against the Ohio State Buckeyes) while throwing for 6,226 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in just over two seasons.
After impressing teams on and off the field throughout the NFL Draft process, McCarthy climbed draft boards and became a top-10 pick. The Vikings traded up one spot to select McCarthy at No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As McCarthy gets acclimated in Minnesota and learns the Vikings’ playbook, he’s had some help from a special person in his life: his fiancee, Katya Kuropas.
Who Is J.J. McCarthy’s Fiancee?
McCarthy proposed to his high school sweetheart, Katya, on Jan. 20, 2024. The two are engaged and living together in Minnesota.
“I can’t believe it’s been 4 years my lovey,” he wrote via Instagram. “High school sweethearts, but feels like I’ve known you since the play pen. Blessed and extremely grateful for your love and pure heart. Together, forever, whatever life brings.”
McCarthy recently revealed that Katya has helped him learn the Vikings’ plays, as she reads his playbook with him every night before bed. This has helped McCarthy pick up the offense quickly and make a seamless transition to the NFL.
NEWS: #Vikings rookie QB JJ McCarthy reviews the playbook & play names with his fiancé Katya Kuropas every night.
It has helped JJ pick up the offense very quickly pic.twitter.com/S05FteKhT0
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 18, 2024
“They say, once a man finds the right woman for him, he can accomplish anything,” McCarthy wrote on Instagram in 2020. “I am blessed and thankful for finding the right one for me at such a young age.”
A Look At McCarthy and Kuropas’ Relationship Timeline
McCarthy and Kuropas started dating on Oct. 8, 2018 when McCarthy was a sophomore at Nazareth Academy in Illinois.
He would go on to transfer to IMG Academy in Florida to finish up his high school football career, but the two stayed together during that time.
After high school, McCarthy continued his football career at Michigan, and Kuropas was once again by his side. She’s been very supportive when it comes to his football career, attending many games alongside McCarthy’s family.
On Jan. 20, they took their relationship to another level when they announced their engagement on Instagram. “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.”
JJ McCarthy is engaged to his girlfriend, Katya Kuropas
Congrats to the happy couple! pic.twitter.com/7ntFX1q5cI
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) January 20, 2024
The couple is very active on social media, where they will post photos from their trips together as well as pictures after games. Shortly after McCarthy’s NFL dream became reality, the couple celebrated with a vacation to the Bahamas.
“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 the many qualities that make this girl so incredible.”
MORE: Who Are J.J. McCarthy’s Parents? Get to Know Jim and Megan McCarthy
The Vikings are hoping that McCarthy can become the face of their franchise and a long-term solution at the quarterback position.
The 21-year-old has a ton of potential and while there has been plenty of talk about his terrific supporting cast of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones, he also seems to have a strong support system in his personal life — with Katya and his parents, Jim and Megan, leading the way.