Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy steps away as fiancée goes into labor after breakout NFL debut
McCarthy missed Thursday practice as Katya Kuropas entered labor; quarterback shined in season-opening win over Chicago
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was absent from Thursday’s practice as his fiancée, Katya Kuropas, went into labor with the couple’s first child, the Star Tribune reported.
McCarthy’s temporary absence comes as the Vikings prepare to host the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night at U.S. Bank Stadium for Week 2. The couple announced in May that they were expecting a baby boy in September; neither McCarthy nor Kuropas has publicly confirmed the baby’s birth.
The news followed McCarthy’s long-awaited NFL debut Monday night, when the second-year quarterback threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes and ran for another as Minnesota rallied for a 27-24 season-opening victory over the Chicago Bears. McCarthy missed his rookie season after suffering a knee injury in 2024.
Kuropas celebrated on Instagram after the win, posting, “What a night!! So proud of you 🥹 Keep showin em’ 🙌 🤍.” Vikings All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson also offered congratulations and encouragement, saying, “If you’re seeing this now, congratulations, my boy. I’m excited for [you] with this new chapter. But after you get done, come on back,” according to the Star Tribune.
McCarthy and Kuropas have been together since high school in La Grange Park, Illinois, where both attended Nazareth Academy. The pair announced their engagement in January 2024 in a joint Instagram post that included the caption “Me, You & Marley Forever & Ever,” a reference to their English Cream Golden Retriever. McCarthy’s proposal came two weeks after he helped lead the University of Michigan to a national championship, a 34-13 victory over Washington at NRG Stadium.
The Vikings list McCarthy as their starter heading into the Falcons game. Minnesota’s coaching staff has declined to elaborate on the quarterback’s status beyond confirming he was away from the facility to be with his family. The team has not announced any roster moves related to his absence.
McCarthy’s debut performance offered a promising glimpse of the quarterback the Vikings expect to lead their offense after a season lost to injury. The organization is set to monitor his availability through the weekend while he attends to the family event.
