J.J. McCarthy’s fiancée Katya steals the spotlight in bold all-black boots at Vikings QB’s birthday celebration

J.J. McCarthy is officially in offseason mode, but life around him feels anything but quiet. With football paused and the Minnesota Vikings turning the page on a 9–8 campaign, the 23-year-old quarterback is leaning into a far more personal chapter at home with fiancée Katya Kuropas and their infant son, Rome.

Even as questions swirl about his growth on the field, McCarthy’s world away from the stadium has offered clarity, warmth, and perspective.The season closed without a playoff spot, despite a late surge that gave fans hope. For McCarthy, it was another year shaped by resilience. After missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury, the former Michigan standout returned to log 1,632 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.

The numbers told only part of the story. The rest played out in lessons learned, mistakes absorbed, and steady flashes of promise under pressure.

J.J. McCarthy reflects on growth, family, and criticism

Away from game tape and stat sheets, McCarthy’s biggest win came in September with the birth of Rome. The quarterback has openly shared tender moments, from receiving a heartfelt team gift to introducing his newborn to the family’s giant dogs. Those snapshots revealed a softer side that contrasted sharply with the criticism he faced during uneven stretches of the season.

Kuropas remained a constant presence throughout. Her game-day fits often caught attention, whether it was a striking all-black look or a rare stadium appearance that turned heads. On Tuesday, as McCarthy marked his 23rd birthday, she posted a message that cut through the noise. “Happy birthday to the love of my life!!! You are so special to me and everything I could’ve ever asked for in a life partner 🤎🤎” The post was followed by a bold knee-high boots look that lit up social feeds.

McCarthy’s own birthday message carried more weight. In an Instagram carousel shared on January 20, images of family milestones sat alongside defining moments from the season. One line stood out as a response to his critics. “Keep every stone they throw at you,” the message reads. “You got castles to build.”It was not defiance. It was resolve. For a quarterback still early in his journey, maturity is no longer a buzzword. It is the assignment. With family grounding him and lessons fresh in mind, McCarthy enters the offseason knowing growth, like castles, is built one stone at a time.