Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy and fiancée Katya Kuropas welcome baby boy
The rookie quarterback celebrated a Week 1 comeback win as the couple announced the arrival of son Rome Micah
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy and his fiancée, Katya Kuropas, announced the birth of their first child, a son named Rome Micah McCarthy, early Friday evening.
The couple shared the news on social media, with Kuropas writing on Instagram, "Welcome to the world Rome Micah McCarthy. The sweetest, most perfect gift from God!! We are so unbelievably blessed to be your parents." McCarthy commented, "God is GREAT! & so are you my love @katyakuropas." Reports surfaced Thursday that the 22-year-old quarterback had missed practice and was at the hospital with Kuropas.
The announcement comes days after McCarthy, a former Michigan standout and the Vikings' 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, led Minnesota to his first career victory, a 27-24 comeback over the Chicago Bears in Monday night's season opener. McCarthy scored three second-half touchdowns in that game, helping the Vikings rally from a slow start.
"The look in his eye was fantastic," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said of McCarthy after the win. "The best thing was just the belief I felt from the team, from the unit, and ultimately, that doesn’t get done without him in the second half." Kuropas, who posted supportive messages on social media following the game, wrote in an Instagram Story, "So proud of you. Keep showin em'." The couple announced their engagement in January 2024 and revealed the pregnancy in May.
McCarthy missed most of his rookie season while recovering from a knee injury. Veteran journeyman Sam Darnold started and led the Vikings to a 14-3 regular-season record and a playoff berth before signing with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency. With Darnold gone, Minnesota handed the starting keys to McCarthy this season, and the team said his Week 1 performance demonstrated progress in his development.
The Vikings are scheduled to host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football this week. The team has not provided additional details about the newborn or any roster changes related to McCarthy's family matters. The couple did not disclose the baby's birth date beyond the early Friday announcement.
The arrival of Rome Micah McCarthy marks a personal milestone for the young quarterback as he begins the season in a leading role for Minnesota. Fans and teammates celebrated his on-field performance this week, while social media reactions from family and supporters underscored the wider attention on McCarthy's early-career progress.
