By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 16:27 EDT, 11 September 2025 | Updated: 16:27 EDT, 11 September 2025
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy missed practice on Thursday to be with his fiancée for the birth of their first child.
Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said McCarthy was at the facility in the morning before departing for the hospital with his fiancée, Katya Kuropas. She made the announcement in May on Instagram that the couple is expecting a boy. They've been together since high school at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago.
McCarthy was the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after leading the Vikings to a 27-24 comeback victory over the Bears in his NFL debut.
The Vikings host Atlanta on Sunday night.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)