J. J. McCarthy's fiancée Katya Kuropas sends heartfelt note as Vikings QB gets sidelined with season-ending injury

J. J. McCarthy is out for the 2024-25 season after needing surgery on his right meniscus. He is the first first-round quarterback ever to miss his entire rookie year because of injury.

That is a massive blow to the Minnesota Vikings, who had been banking on him to maintain their competitiveness in the NFC North. Still, he is determined to fight through the pain and regain his full form for 2025, as he expressed on Instagram.

One of the people who reacted was his fiancee Katya Kuropas who said:

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Katya Kuropas's message to JJ McCarthy after his season-ending injury

McCarthy is not the only Viking to have suffered a significant injury during the preseason. Sophomore wide receiver Jordan Addison was seen clutching his leg in Wednesday's practice and had to be carted off the field.

Who is J. J. McCarthy's fiancee Katya Kuropas?

J. J. McCarthy met his future fiance in high school, in this case Nazareth Academy in Illinois. But the COVID-19 pandemic separated them, as Nazareth's football shutdown forced him to move to the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida.

That long-distance chapter of their relationship would not last, fortunately. When he committed to Michigan, his girlfriend followed him there and stayed with him throughout his tenure.

Just weeks after clinching the national title, McCarthy proposed to Kuropas:

In June, rumors surfaced that she had been helping him study the Vikings' playbook:

Other NFL players react to J. J. McCarthy's season-ending injury

There was much grief and prayer among the Vikings when they heard of J. J. McCarthy injuring his meniscus and needing surgery on it. One of them was nose tackle Harrison Phillips:

Harrison Phillips reacts to JJ McCarthy's season-ending knee injury

Cornerbacks Camryn Bynum and Shaquill Griffin also sent their well wishes:

Camryn Bynum reacts to JJ McCarthy's season-ending knee injury

Shaquill Griffin reacts to JJ McCarthy's season-ending knee injury

Two of McCarthy's fellow rookie ex-Wolverines on other teams also commiserated with him - Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Cornelius Johnson and Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner:

Cornelius Johnson reacts to JJ McCarthy's season-ending knee injury

AJ Barner reacts to JJ McCarthy's season-ending knee injury

Even "Twilight" actor Taylor Lautner, who was born and raised in Michigan, reacted:

Taylor Lautner reacts to JJ McCarthy's season-ending knee injury

About the author

Andre Castillo is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda who holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in Journalism. He has over seven years of working experience and has also covered MMA with FanSided, wrestling with The Sportster, and automobiles with Hot Cars.

Andre follows the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders, mostly because he likes their colors. His favorite position is tight end, and players like Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce have always drawn Andre's attention when watching a game. Bill Belichick is his favorite coach, and his all-time favorite Super Bowl is the XLII edition, when the underdog New York Giants upset the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

If he can change one moment in NFL history, it will be from the NFC Championship Game in January 2019. In that game, a highly controversial no-call cost the Saints what would have been Drew Brees' second Super Bowl visit, where he would have faced Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Andre is always on the lookout for fresh perspectives in a story and ensures complete factual accuracy by double-checking all information before using it in his articles. He has an innate understanding of how to present information in an efficient and compelling way.

Outside the writing realm, Andre is a professional licensed teacher. His hobbies include watching UFC, MotoGP, playing the piano, and travelling.

Know More

Vikings Nation! Check out the latest Minnesota Vikings Schedule and dive into the Vikings Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash