MINNESOTA Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy missed practice on Thursday following life-changing personal news.
McCarthy, 22, skipped out on the session after his fiancee Katya Kuropas went into labor with their first child.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy missed practice on Thursday after the birth of his first child[/caption]
The former Michigan QB was unable to get any reps in ahead of the Vikings’ game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
McCarthy impressed on his NFL debut on Monday, throwing two fourth quarter touchdowns and running in another to beat the Chicago Bears 27-24.
It comes after he missed the entirety of his rookie season with a knee injury, a huge blow after being selected as the 10th overall pick during the 2024 Draft.
McCarthy is winning on and off the field thanks to the birth of his son.
A shared post on Instagram from McCarthy and Kuropas read: “Welcome to the world Rome Micah McCarthy.
The sweetest, most perfect gift from God!! We are so unbelievably blessed to be your parents.”
The couple, who began dating when they both were in high school, got engaged in January 2024.
McCarthy dropped the knee after leading the Michigan Wolverines to a national title in his final season.
McCarthy hold his newborn son Rome Micah McCarthy[/caption]
McCarthy and his fiancee Katya Kuropas have been together since they were in high school[/caption]
Following the birth of their son, there was a message of support during Thursday’s media duties from teammate Justin Jefferson.
The star receiver said: ” 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.”
McCarthy will return to action against the Falcons in a game that will be a throwback to his national championship success with Michigan.
The Illinois-born star will face off against Michael Penix Jr for the first time since they met in the 2024 CFP National Championship.
Vikings fans will be pleased to know that McCarthy’s Wolverines trounced Penix Jr’s Washington Huskies 34-13 on that day and will be hoping for a repeat at US Bank Stadium.
NFL important dates 2025 season
March 12 – Free Agency begins
April 24-26 – NFL Draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin
September 4 – 2025 season opener (TBC vs Eagles)
November 27 – Thanksgiving Day triple header
January 4, 2026 – End of regular-season
February 8, 2026 – Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California
