Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy and Fiancee Katya Kuropas’ Relationship Timeline

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy is busy on and off the field. The athlete has been dating his girlfriend, Katya Kuropas, for more than five years. McCarthy and Kuropas fell for each other while they were in high school in Illinois. The football player made a name for himself at Nazareth Academy, committing to Michigan in May 2019 after being rated one of the top quarterback recruits ahead of his junior and senior years of high school. McCarthy arrived at Michigan ahead of the 2021 season and played behind starting QB Cade McNamara. During his second season in blue and maize, McCarthy was named the starter over McNamara. One month later, he commemorated four years with Kuropas by his side. “I can’t believe it’s been 4 years my lovey,” he wrote via Instagram. “High school sweethearts, but feels like I’ve known you since the play pen. Blessed and extremely grateful for your love and pure heart. Together, forever, whatever life brings.” Throughout the year, McCarthy’s success on the field continued as well — until an undefeated Michigan lost to Texas Christian University in the College Football Playoff on December 31, 2022. The following year, McCarthy and Michigan returned to the College Football Playoff and beat the University of Alabama in the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. They defeated the University of Washington in the finals on January 8, 2024. Scroll through to see McCarthy and Kuropas’ relationship timeline:

The twosome started dating.

The athlete marked “365 days of loving” Kuropas.

McCarthy referred to his love as “my rock” during his junior year of high school.

“Some things just go better together❤️,” he gushed via Instagram.

The twosome celebrated two years of officially dating.

“They say, once a man finds the right woman for him, he can accomplish anything. I am blessed and thankful for finding the right one for me at such a young age,” McCarthy wrote via Instagram. “Honored to have spent 2 years of my life with the woman of my dreams, and excited for the years to come❤️ #730days.”

The duo posed for a sweet snap.

“How’d I get so lucky 🥰,” the football player gushed via Instagram.

In his third anniversary tribute, McCarthy referred to Kuropas as the “love of my life.”

“Happy cake day to the most beautiful soul ❤️,” he wrote in his girlfriend’s birthday tribute. “Not only are you the love of my life, you are my best friend and someone who has always pushed me to be the best possible version of myself every single day. 19 down with many many more to come, and I would be the luckiest man in the world to be able to experience the rest of them by your side. Happy 19th @katyakuropas !!! I love you beyond measure ❤️❤️❤️.”

Kuropas was on hand to watch McCarthy’s first season as Michigan’s starting quarterback as the couple marked four years together on October 8.

Kuropas watched McCarthy and the Wolverines beat Purdue to win the Big Ten Championship on December 3.

Kuropas made waves online during the Fiesta Bowl as ESPN continued to show her reactions in the crowd when Michigan played TCU on New Year’s Eve. (McCarthy and the Wolverines lost 51-45.)

As Kuropas continued to support McCarthy from the stands at Michigan games, they celebrated their fifth anniversary.

"1,825 days with the love of my life but a million moments that will be remembered and cherished for the rest of my life," he wrote via Instagram. "I couldn’t be more grateful for who you are and everything you do! You make me the best version of myself and it has been a complete blessing to continually watch you grow into the amazing woman you are. I love you my queen!!! 👸🥰❤️."

Kuropas rooted for McCarthy and Michigan as they beat the Crimson Tide in the first round of the College Football Playoff in Pasadena. 

McCarthy announced his decision to enter the 2024 NFL Draft on January 14.

“To my love Katya …. You are my soulmate, best friend, and my rock,” he shared in a lengthy Instagram post at the time. “I am so blessed to be your partner now and forever. I am so excited to continue our journey together.”

Ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, Kuropas penned a touching farewell to her and McCarthy’s alma mater as he prepared to enter in the next phase of his football career.

“Extremely delayed but … Reminiscing on how amazing this past season was. An abundance of blessings and the best memories,” she wrote alongside a slideshow of moments cheering on McCarthy. “Feeling so grateful for everything that unfolded & for everyone that was part of it!! Sad to see this chapter go, but excited for the next one🫶🏽.”

After over five years of dating, the couple announced their engagement on January 20.

“Me, You & Marley Forever & Ever ✨🤍,” the duo wrote in a joint Instagram post alongside photos from the beachside proposal.

McCarthy and Kuropas announced they’re expecting their first baby. 

“The best surprises come when you least expect them,” the couple shared in a joint Instagram post. “Our sweet baby boy is arriving in September and we couldn’t be happier 🩵🍼.”

McCarthy and Kuropas announced the arrival of their son, Rome, on September 12.

“Welcome to the world Rome Micah McCarthy ✨,” Kuropas wrote via Instagram. “The sweetest, most perfect gift from God!! We are so unbelievably blessed to be your parents 💙.”