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: