J.J. McCarthy is ready for his next chapter as a future husband and NFL quarterback.
The Michigan product, who won a national championship with the Wolverines in January 2024, was selected 10th overall by the Vikings in the 2024 NFL Draft.
He celebrated the special moment with his fiancée, Katya Kuropas.
Here’s a look back at their love story that spans years.
High-school sweethearts
McCarthy and Kuropas’ relationship dates back to 2018, when the quarterback attended Nazareth Academy in Illinois.
He transferred to IMG Academy in Florida in 2020 in the wake of Nazareth canceling the football season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The couple celebrated their second dating anniversary in October 2020, with McCarthy penning a touching Instagram tribute to “the woman of my dreams.”
Biggest supporter
Kuropas supported McCarthy on Michigan game days as the quarterback was named the starter early into the 2022 season after beating out Cade McNamara for the spot.
He and the Wolverines reached the College Football Playoff at the end of the season but lost to the TCU Horned Frogs in the Fiesta Bowl in January 2023.
One season later, McCarthy and the Wolverines reached the national championship and defeated the Washington Huskies, 34-13, for the program’s first title since 1997.
He kissed Kuropas in the stands following the January 2024 win at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Sweet engagement
In the days following Michigan’s national championship victory, McCarthy announced his engagement to Kuropas.
“Me, You & Marley Forever & Ever,” Kuropas gushed on Instagram in January 2024, giving a sweet call out to the couple’s pup, Marley.
Pre-draft shoutout
January 2024 turned out to be a busy month for McCarthy, who also declared for the NFL draft.
In a message shared on social media, the 6-foot-2 signal-caller gushed over “soulmate” Kuropas as he elaborated on his decision to leave Michigan after three years.
“To my love, Katya… you are my soulmate, best friend, and my rock. I am so blessed to be your partner now and forever. I am so excited to continue our journey together,” McCarthy wrote.
He wrapped the 2023 season by throwing for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions.
