J.J. McCarthy and Katya Kuropas celebrate post-Vikings’ 2024 NFL Draft selection and partied hard
After being chosen by Minnesota with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback for the new Vikings, and his fiancée, Katya Kuropas, celebrated right away on Thursday.
The 21-year-old former Michigan standout was spotted wearing a purple Vikings cap in an Instagram Story that Kuropas shared. The story seems to have been taken during a post-draft celebration.
Kuropas, who was sporting Vikings gear of her own, then posted an Instagram Story with McCarthy dressed as a Viking and an emoji that said “fire” next to the photo.
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Six signal-callers were chosen in the first 12 selections of this year’s NFL draft, setting off a frenzy among quarterback fans.
First to score a touchdown was Caleb Williams for the Bears, then Jayden Daniels for the Commanders at No. 2 and Drake Maye for the Patriots at No. 3.
In an unexpected move, the Falcons, who had just acquired veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, selected Michael Penix at No. 8, while the Vikings moved up from No. 11 to No. 10 to select McCarthy.
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The Broncos selected Bo Nix, the final quarterback selected on Thursday, with the 12th overall pick.
At home in Van Buren Township, Michigan, McCarthy savored the thrilling moment when, following Minnesota’s submission of their pick, he planted a kiss on Kuropas.
“SKOL Minnesota, I’m here to get to work!” McCarthy shared a photo on Instagram on Thursday.
With Michigan, where he started the previous two seasons, McCarthy recently won a national title.
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McCarthy passed for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions in his last season as a Wolverine quarterback. Just 72.3% of his passes were completed by him.
A day before the 2024 NFL Draft got underway, Kuropas—who had declared her engagement to McCarthy in January—thought back on “how amazing this past season was.”
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“An abundance of blessings and the best memories. Feeling so grateful for everything that unfolded & for everyone that was part of it!! Sad to see this chapter go, but excited for the next one,” On Instagram, she shared a photo.
October 2023 was the fifth anniversary of Kuropas and McCarthy’s relationship.
