Does J.J. McCarthy Have a Girlfriend? Inside the Quarterback's Love Life

The rising NFL star has captured attention for his poise under pressure, but fans are just as interested in his life off the field. Many are asking — does J.J. McCarthy have a girlfriend, and what's the story behind their relationship?

J.J. McCarthy has quickly become one of football's most talked-about quarterbacks, known for his leadership at Michigan and his transition to the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings.

But it's not just his game that has people watching — his personal life has sparked just as much interest. From long-term love to life-changing milestones, here's what to know about McCarthy's love life.

Does J.J. McCarthy Have a Girlfriend?

McCarthy doesn't just have a girlfriend — he has a fiancée. The rising NFL quarterback is engaged to his longtime partner, Katya Kuropas. The couple made the announcement official on Instagram in January 2024 with a beachside photo shoot that featured their dog, Marley.

In the carousel post, Kuropas captioned the moment, "Me, You & Marley Forever & Ever," accompanied by a star and heart emoji. The post, which showed the couple beaming on the shore, also included a close-up of the engagement ring and several affectionate moments between the couple.

But for McCarthy, expressing his love in writing isn't new, as he has consistently used social media to share heartfelt messages about Kuropas. In a 2020 post, he wrote in part:

"They say, once a man finds the right woman for him, he can accomplish anything. I am blessed and thankful for finding the right one for me at such a young age."

At the time, they were marking their two-year anniversary, and his caption underscored just how seriously he viewed their relationship even then.

In an earlier post from 2019, McCarthy called himself "the lucky one to be dating this girl," thanking Kuropas for making him happy "each and every day." The following year, he marked her birthday once more with a post declaring, "My life would not be the same without you. I love you baby girl!!!"

His tone was just as sincere in 2022 when he celebrated her birthday, calling Kuropas "the love of my life" and "my best friend," and saying he'd be "the luckiest man in the world" to spend the rest of his life with her.

In 2022, he reflected on their four-year milestone with a caption that read, "High school sweethearts, but feels like I've known you since the play pen," emphasizing how long and deeply rooted their connection is.

McCarthy has repeatedly credited Kuropas with helping him grow as a person as well. On their fifth anniversary in 2023, he posted, "1,825 days with the love of my life but a million moments that will be remembered and cherished for the rest of my life [...] You make me the best version of myself [...]."

Through every stage of his life — from teenage athlete to rising football star — McCarthy has publicly and consistently affirmed his love for Kuropas. Their relationship is more than a subplot in his story; it's been a constant, grounding presence that he clearly cherishes.

In It for the Long Haul

One look at Kuropas's Instagram feed makes it clear that this relationship wasn't built overnight. She has marked every anniversary with a heartfelt tribute, offering a timeline of a bond that's only grown stronger year after year.

In 2019, she celebrated their first anniversary with a sunset photo of the couple, writing, "1 year with my love. Thank you for everything. Love you forever." Even then, her caption reflected a level of affection that hinted this was more than a typical high school relationship.

By 2020, on their second anniversary, she shared, "2 years flies by with you, and I can't wait for many more!! Wish we could be spending it together :( I love you beyond words." The message was intimate and emotionally grounded, speaking to the comfort and familiarity they had already built.

The following year, in 2021, Kuropas posted a photo dump of the love birds, including a photo of the couple wrapped in each other's arms on a lake.

"3 years with my favorite person on this planet. You're a blessing. So thankful to have you as my best friend and soulmate [...]. I love you in this life and the next," the caption read.

In 2022, she celebrated their fourth year together, writing, "My best friend, twin flame, my heart & soul. 4 years with you!! Couldn't imagine it any other way. I love you so much and can't wait for what's to come 😊 My favorite person. You are so special to me."

For their fifth anniversary in 2023, Kuropas took to Instagram once more and posted a series of photos of the young couple, including a snap of the two kissing while seated in a heart-shaped wooden chair at sunset.

"Five years later and I love you more than ever!! So many memories, so much happiness, and the most special love🫶🏽," she wrote. "Words can't describe how grateful I am for you. Better together always ♾️🩶."

Through every milestone, the tone of Kuropas's posts has remained consistent — grateful, warm, and unwavering. Her captions chart the growth of a relationship that began in their teens and has matured into a lifelong commitment.

A Love for Travel

Beyond the stadium lights and sidelines, McCarthy and Kuropas share a love for travel that adds another layer to their relationship. In March 2023, the quarterback posted a sun-soaked photo set from Tulum, México, simply captioned, "Love."

The laid-back energy of the trip was clear — relaxation, palm trees, and playful moments spent together under the sun. The post showed the couple embracing in an infinity pool and later sharing a kiss inside a heart-shaped wicker swing, surrounded by lush greenery.

Just over a year later, in May 2024, the couple jetted off to the Bahamas, staying at Baha Mar Resorts. McCarthy described it as a "dreamy escape," and the photos didn't disappoint.

From oceanfront views to cozy moments on the balcony and a snap of him holding a flamingo, the trip once again highlighted how much they enjoy each other's company in new settings.

His caption made it clear that the experience was made even more special by Kuropas's presence. "Grateful for this dreamy escape at #BahaMarResorts with my love," it read.

Supporting His Career

From the very beginning of McCarthy's collegiate football journey, Kuropas has been by his side. When he committed to the University of Michigan, she posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram that read:

"I'm so so happy & proud of you on your commitment. Michigan is lucky to have you. Your hard work is paying off and you deserve everything you get."

Her message closed with the declaration of gratitude and support, "This is only the beginning of your successes. I'm so thankful to be by your side for all of this. Love you. Go Blue!"

Kuropas's loyalty didn't stop there. Throughout McCarthy's college career, she was regularly spotted in the stands, decked out in maize and blue.

In one post, she called it the "best time of the year," and in another, she wrote, "No day better than game day," clearly embracing the culture and energy surrounding Michigan football.

That same unwavering support followed McCarthy into the next chapter of his career. In April 2024, when he was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings, Kuropas celebrated the milestone with a heartfelt Instagram post. Sharing photos of the two of them on draft night, she wrote, "A dream come true," accompanied by a football and heart emoji.

Later that year, she attended one of his games at U.S. Bank Stadium, wearing a McCarthy jersey alongside friends. Her caption — "I love it here" — spoke volumes, not just about the atmosphere but about her willingness to embrace every phase of his career.

McCarthy and Kuropas's relationship has been defined by longevity and unwavering support. From high school sweethearts to engaged couple, they've weathered each chapter side by side — celebrating milestones, traveling together, and showing up for one another on and off the field.

For more NFL stars whose relationships have drawn attention off the field, take a closer look at Jake Browning's love life and find out whether or not he has a girlfriend.