Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy experienced the ultimate week.
The 22-year-old led Minnesota to a stunning 27-24 comeback victory over the Chicago Bears on Monday night, impressing with three fourth-quarter touchdowns in his first professional start.
McCarthy left the team facility Thursday morning to be with his fiancée Katya Kuropas, who was in labor.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell had revealed McCarthy’s absence earlier that day, though the reason remained private at the time.
The couple welcomed their son, Rome Micah McCarthy, with the news breaking through social media reports.
“Congrats! Vikings star QB JJ McCarthy and his partner, Katya Kuropas, have welcomed their first child, a baby boy whom they are naming Rome McCarthy.” Dov Kleiman shared on X.
Congrats! Vikings star QB JJ McCarthy and his partner, Katya Kuropas, have welcomed their first child, a baby boy whom they are naming Rome McCarthy ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ywb1sKUFh9
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 12, 2025
Kuropas later confirmed the birth with her own social media post.
“Welcome to the world Rome Micah McCarthy. The sweetest, most perfect gift from God!! We are so unbelievably blessed to be your parents,” she wrote.
The timing proved remarkable for the young quarterback. McCarthy returned home with the team after Monday’s victory, participated in Tuesday’s game planning session, and practiced normally on Wednesday.
He attended Thursday morning meetings before leaving to support Kuropas during labor.
The couple had announced in May that their first child was due in September.
Kuropas, who rarely missed games during McCarthy’s college career at Michigan, was in the stands for his national championship victory in 2024.
McCarthy lost his entire rookie season to a torn meniscus in his right knee, making his debut particularly meaningful for the former top-10 draft pick.
Despite the personal milestone, he is expected to start Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.
With his new family waiting at home, McCarthy faces another opportunity to build on his impressive debut performance.
