Minnesota Vikings quarterbackJJ McCarthy is having a week to remember. The 22-year-old University of Michigan alum made his NFL debut Monday night when the Vikings faced the Chicago Bears in Chicago. Thursday, McCarthy and his fiancée Katya Kuropas prepared to welcome their baby boy that day, according to Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Friday afternoon, the newly-minted proud parents shared their son Rome Micah McCarthy had been born. The social media birth announcement included a series of four photos of the adorable newborn, including a sweet snap of the first-time dad holding his swaddled baby boy.
Kuropas captioned the post, “Welcome to the world Rome Micah McCarthy ✨The sweetest, most perfect gift from God!! We are so unbelievably blessed to be your parents💙”
Congratulations quickly poured in for the new family of three.
Related: NFL Quarterback Stuns Fans With Baby News: See the First Photo of His Daughter
NFL Stars Congratulate JJ McCarthy on the Birth of His Son
Congratulations quickly poured in for the NFL star and his fiancée. ESPN’s Rich Eisen wrote, “Congratulations!”, while the Minnesota Vikings shared congratulations courtesy of on-brand team color purple hearts.
Former NFL star (and fellow Michigan Wolverine) Desmond Howard enthusiastically shared, “What a blessing. Congratulations, my dude.”
McCarthy’s former Michigan teammate Roman Wilson, who now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, shared a crying emoji, while Vikings defensive tackle Walter Rouse wrote, “Congratulations to you both.”
Celebrities Celebrate JJ McCarthy and His Fiancée
Sports stars weren’t the only big names to jump into the comment section to celebrate the birth of Rome McCarthy. Just Go With It funnyman Nick Swardson joked, “Looks like you got that little dude from Cinnabon! 😂 Many blessings to you and your family, JJ. ❤️🙌”
Twilight star Taylor Lautner wrote, “Congrats to you both 🫶🏼🫶🏼.”
Will JJ McCarthy Play This Weekend Against the Atlanta Falcons?
With all the excitement (and likely lack of sleep) happening in the McCarthy household, it’s safe to wonder if the new dad will play in Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. McCarthy did miss practice Thursday but is expected to play Sunday against the Falcons.
The game is scheduled to be played at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota and marks McCarthy’s home opener, second NFL career start, and first time playing since becoming a dad. Game time is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET. JJ McCarthy will have a new fan watching from home.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.