by: Grant Grubbs 44 minutes ago grant_grubbs_
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) practices before the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
On Thursday, JJ McCarthy and his fiancé, Katya, welcomed their first child: Rome Micah McCarthy. The baby boy was 8.7 pounds and 21 inches, according to a post to Katya’s Instagram.
McCarthy missed the Minnesota Vikings’ practice Thursday to be present for his son’s birth. He returned to the practice field Friday. Evidently, McCarthy didn’t miss a beat.
“Ryan [Kelly] and I got a kick out of thinking about the last 24 hours for JJ knowing how many times him and I have both been through that, but not come out the very next day and have a great red zone kind of fast Friday practice,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Friday. “It’s an awesome moment as a father myself to kind of see his reaction to it, best day of his life.”
Welcome Rome Micah McCarthy!
Congrats to J.J. McCarthy and his fiancé
: katyakuropas / IG pic.twitter.com/B10xJjwJdB
— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) September 12, 2025
McCarthy is in his second season with the Minnesota Vikings and his first as the team’s full-time starting quarterback. McCarthy was named Sam Darnold ‘s backup ahead of last season. However, while playing in the Vikings’ preseason opener, McCarthy tore his meniscus and missed his entire rookie campaign.
Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency this offseason, leaving McCarthy as the Vikings’ sole QB1. He started the new era off strong on Monday, leading the Vikings to a 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears.
In the victory, McCarthy completed 13-of-his-20 pass attempts for 143 yards and two touchdowns, compared to one interception. McCarthy also rushed for 25 yards and a score.