Who is JJ McCarthy's Girlfriend?
JJ McCarthy’s girlfriend (actually, fiancée) is Katya Kuropas, a name Vikings fans are going to hear a lot, and for good reason. Katya’s not just another NFL wag splashed across Instagram; she’s McCarthy’s high school sweetheart, his steadfast cheerleader, and now, the future Mrs. McCarthy.
The pair first crossed paths at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois, where teenage awkwardness and football dreams quietly wove them together. Even after McCarthy left for IMG Academy in Florida during the pandemic, their relationship survived the long-distance grindFaceTimes, hurried texts, and those “I miss you” moments that felt huge at seventeen.
If you’ve ever seen a game photo with JJ beaming after a win, chances are Katya was somewhere nearby, out of the spotlight but central to his story.
JJ McCarthy and Katya Kuropas Relationship Timeline
The McCarthy-Kuropas timeline reads like a YA novel with fewer prom night disasters. The two started dating in high school, stuck together through McCarthy’s transfer to IMG, then kept up their bond when he moved to Michigan for college ball. Katya has always been that “constant in the stands,” decked out in blue or yellow, Snapchatting sideline selfies that only he sees.
After Michigan brought home the national championship in early 2024, McCarthy popped the question in a beachside proposal Instagram-worthy, naturally, with their dog Marley featured just as prominently as either of them. Their anniversary posts, all heart emojis and personal tributes, aren’t just sugar-sweet; they feel earned after years swapping loyalties and zip codes for football. Engagement came with a simple but telling message: “Me, You & Marley Forever & Ever,”.
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And just a few months later, they announced Katya’s pregnancy.
Does JJ McCarthy Have a Baby?
Yup, it’s about to get busy in the McCarthy household because Katya and JJ are expecting their first child, a baby boy, any day now (September is the due date). Fans had a little freak-out moment, wondering if the Vikings QB might miss a game (hello, NFL dad drama), but for now, both parents-to-be seem genuinely excited and maybe a little bit nervous.
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Social posts have been all glow and emojis, with the couple saying: “The best surprises come when you least expect them. Our sweet baby boy is arriving in September, and we couldn’t be happier.” It’s the kind of news that brings out well-wishers nationwide. Just imagine the diaper bag alongside JJ’s helmet in the team locker room.
JJ McCarthy Height
He’s tall, really tall, with JJ McCarthy clocking in at 1.9 meters (that’s around 6′3″ for the folks who measure by NFL wide receiver standards). The stature fits the quarterback's pedigree, whether he’s towering over college defenders or making life easier for Vikings’ offensive coordinators reaching for those high throws.
JJ McCarthy Age
At 22 years old, JJ is fresh-faced, energetic, and has that rookie glow, if not always the rookie nerves. Born January 20, 2003, in La Grange Park, Illinois, he’s younger than some of his receivers, but that leadership thing? It started early. It’s weird to realize just how much he’s accomplished while his high school graduation photos probably aren’t even gathering dust yet.
JJ McCarthy Salary
As the tenth pick in the 2024 NFL draft, McCarthy signed a four-year, $21.85 million rookie contract. That includes a sweet $12.7 million signing bonus, enough to blow a college kid’s mind and set up a nursery with all the bells and whistles. He’ll pocket $9 million through 2027, with the fifth-year option unlocking the door for a much bigger payday if he delivers on the Vikings’ QB hopes. Not exactly chump change, but as every football fan knows, the real money comes if he makes himself indispensable.
