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          J.J. McCarthy and fiancée Katya Kuropas expecting baby's birth

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          • Kevin SeifertSep 11, 2025, 05:22 PM ET
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              Kevin Seifert is a staff writer who covers the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL at ESPN. Kevin has covered the NFL for over 20 years, joining ESPN in 2008. He was previously a beat reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Washington Times. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia.
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          EAGAN, Minn. -- What a week for J.J. McCarthy.

          The Minnesota Vikings quarterback left the team facility Thursday morning to be with his fiancée, Katya Kuropas, as the two prepared to welcome a baby boy, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell.

          There was no immediate announcement of the birth from the couple, who shared in May that they were expecting their first child in September. Kuropas' labor conveniently waited until after McCarthy's NFL debut Monday night in Chicago, when he accounted for three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to lead Minnesota to a 27-24 comeback victory over the Chicago Bears.

          McCarthy traveled home with the team Monday night, participated in game planning work on Tuesday and practiced normally on Wednesday. He took part in meetings on Thursday morning, O'Connell said, but then left to join Kuropas. He is expected to start Sunday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium.

          "If you seeing this now, congratulations my boy, congratulations," Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson said after practice, as if he was speaking to McCarthy. "I'm excited for him for this new chapter, this new journey. But after you get done, come on back!"

          McCarthy, 22, was the No. 10 overall selection in the 2024 draft. He missed his entire rookie season, however, due to a torn meniscus in his right knee.