MINNEAPOLIS — Katya Kuropas and Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy welcomed their first child, Rome Micah McCarthy, on September 12, 2025, sparking a wave of celebration across X. The couple shared the joyful news on Instagram, with Kuropas posting a photo of their newborn and writing, “The sweetest, most perfect gift from God.” The post, liked over 100,000 times, has fans buzzing about the NFL star’s new role as a dad.
Rome, born weighing 8.7 pounds and measuring 21 inches, arrived just as McCarthy, 22, prepares for the Vikings’ season. “Katya’s strength through this is unreal,” McCarthy told The Times of India after the birth. The couple, high school sweethearts from Illinois, got engaged in 2024 and have been inseparable since meeting at Nazareth Academy.
X erupted with support, with @TPPSkol tweeting, “Welcome Rome Micah! JJ’s gonna be an amazing dad!” The post gained 30,000 likes, while @VikingsFan22 added, “Congrats JJ and Katya! Rome’s already a star.” Fans shared clips of McCarthy’s touchdown passes, joking he’ll soon be tossing footballs to Rome.
The birth follows Kuropas’ viral June baby shower, where pastel decorations and a onesie clothesline charmed followers. “Katya’s been his rock through every game,” a friend told People magazine. Now, as the Vikings face the San Francisco 49ers on September 14, McCarthy balances fatherhood with his rising NFL career.
The couple hasn’t shared wedding plans, but Kuropas’ glowing posts hint at a tight-knit family. As X users flood their feeds with heart emojis, Rome’s arrival marks a heartwarming milestone for the young duo, keeping fans hooked on their journey.