Last Updated on October 23, 2026 by Mariah Miranda
J.J. McCarthy’s family has played an important role in his journey from a promising high school quarterback to an NFL player. Born Jonathan James McCarthy on January 20, 2003, the American football quarterback became nationally recognized for leading the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship before entering the NFL.
Beyond football, fans are interested in J.J. McCarthy’s wife, children, parents and siblings. The quarterback comes from an athletic and supportive family and has built a family of his own with his longtime partner, Katya Kuropas.
As of now, J.J. McCarthy is married to Katya Kuropas, with whom he shares a son named Rome Micah McCarthy. His parents are Jim and Megan McCarthy, and his two sisters are Caitlin and Morgan McCarthy.
J.J. McCarthy’s Wife: Who Is Katya Kuropas?
J.J. McCarthy’s wife is Katya Kuropas, his high school sweetheart and longtime romantic partner. Their relationship began in 2018 while they were students at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois.
Katya has supported McCarthy throughout his football career, including his years at the University of Michigan and his transition into the NFL. She has frequently appeared alongside him at important sporting events and shared moments from their relationship on social media.
The couple maintained their relationship while McCarthy pursued football opportunities away from home, including his time at IMG Academy in Florida.
When Did J.J. McCarthy and Katya Kuropas Get Engaged?
J.J. McCarthy and Katya Kuropas announced their engagement in January 2024, shortly after Michigan won the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The couple shared photographs from a romantic beachside proposal, celebrating the beginning of a new chapter in their relationship. Their dog, Marley, also appeared in the engagement photographs.
When Did J.J. McCarthy Get Married?
J.J. McCarthy married Katya Kuropas on April 11, 2026, in San José del Cabo, Mexico.
The wedding ceremony took place at Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort. The couple celebrated with close friends and family, sharing photographs of their special day on social media.
Their wedding marked another milestone in a relationship that began during their teenage years.
As of now, Katya Kuropas is J.J. McCarthy’s wife, rather than his girlfriend or fiancée.
J.J. McCarthy’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
J.J. McCarthy has one publicly known child, a son named Rome Micah McCarthy, whom he shares with his wife, Katya Kuropas.
The couple announced their first pregnancy in May 2025, sharing maternity photographs and revealing that they were expecting a baby boy.
Rome Micah McCarthy – J.J. McCarthy’s Son
J.J. McCarthy and Katya Kuropas announced the arrival of their son, Rome Micah McCarthy, on September 12, 2025.
Katya shared the happy news on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the birth of their first child. McCarthy also celebrated becoming a father and publicly expressed his appreciation for his partner.
The arrival of Rome represented a significant personal milestone for the quarterback, who was beginning to establish his professional football career.
The couple have shared selected family moments publicly while keeping much of their son’s everyday life private.
As of now, Rome Micah McCarthy is the couple’s only publicly confirmed child.
J.J. McCarthy’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
J.J. McCarthy’s parents are Jim McCarthy and Megan McCarthy. Both have athletic backgrounds and have been influential figures in their son’s development.
The family has strong ties to Illinois, where J.J. spent much of his childhood and developed his early interest in sports.
J.J. McCarthy’s Father: Jim McCarthy
Jim McCarthy is J.J. McCarthy’s father. He has a background in American football and baseball, having participated in both sports at Riverside-Brookfield High School in Illinois.
He continued playing football at Lake Park College, where he served as a team captain.
Outside sports, Jim has worked in business management. He has served as president of J.E. McCarthy & Associates, a company specializing in printing logistics management.
Jim has been actively involved in supporting his son’s football ambitions, regularly attending games and encouraging his development.
He has also participated in youth football initiatives and community fundraising projects.
J.J. McCarthy’s Mother: Megan McCarthy
Megan McCarthy is J.J. McCarthy’s mother and another important influence in his life.
Unlike her husband, whose sporting background centered on football and baseball, Megan was a competitive figure skater during her younger years.
She introduced J.J. to ice skating when he was a child, contributing to his early interest in hockey.
Before concentrating on football, McCarthy seriously considered pursuing hockey, which he has described as one of his earliest sporting passions.
Megan’s encouragement helped him explore multiple sports before eventually deciding to focus on becoming a quarterback.
Professionally, Megan has also worked in project management.
Both Jim and Megan have supported their son’s sporting ambitions, including traveling considerable distances to attend his games.
J.J. McCarthy’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
J.J. McCarthy has two sisters, Caitlin McCarthy and Morgan McCarthy. He is the only son among Jim and Megan McCarthy’s three children.
His sisters have also supported his football career and participated in important family celebrations.
Caitlin McCarthy – J.J. McCarthy’s Older Sister
Caitlin McCarthy is J.J. McCarthy’s older sister.
She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating in 2022 with a degree in computer science and minors in business and mathematics.
During her university years, Caitlin was involved in the University of Nebraska Dance Marathon, an initiative supporting children’s healthcare.
She received recognition for her leadership and volunteer contributions.
Professionally, Caitlin has worked as a technology consultant at EY, according to previously published biographical reporting.
Morgan McCarthy – J.J. McCarthy’s Younger Sister
Morgan McCarthy is J.J. McCarthy’s younger sister.
She grew up alongside her siblings in their close-knit family and has been part of the support system surrounding her brother’s football journey.
Morgan completed high school in 2023 and subsequently began her college education.
Unlike her brother, who has attracted considerable public attention through football, Morgan maintains a comparatively private personal life.
How J.J. McCarthy’s Family Supported His Football Career
J.J. McCarthy’s rise through college football and into the NFL was supported by a family with a strong interest in athletics.
His father brought experience from football and baseball, while his mother introduced him to skating and hockey.
One memorable example of their dedication occurred in December 2022, when flight cancellations disrupted the family’s plans to attend Michigan’s College Football Playoff semifinal against TCU.
Rather than missing the game, family members undertook a road trip of approximately 26 hours to support J.J.
McCarthy has publicly expressed gratitude for his parents, acknowledging their encouragement and the sacrifices they made during his development.
He also shares his family’s commitment to charitable causes. In 2022, he established the JJ For the Kids Foundation, an initiative supporting children’s hospitals and related causes.
After winning the national championship with Michigan, McCarthy was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. In September 2026, he was traded to the New York Giants.
Frequently Asked Questions About J.J. McCarthy’s Family
Who is J.J. McCarthy’s girlfriend?
J.J. McCarthy’s longtime girlfriend was Katya Kuropas. The couple began dating in 2018, became engaged in January 2024 and married in April 2026. As of now, Katya is his wife.
Is J.J. McCarthy married?
Yes. J.J. McCarthy married Katya Kuropas on April 11, 2026, in San José del Cabo, Mexico.
Does J.J. McCarthy have children?
Yes. He has one publicly known son, Rome Micah McCarthy, whose arrival was announced in September 2025.
Who are J.J. McCarthy’s parents?
His parents are Jim McCarthy, a businessman and former football player, and Megan McCarthy, a former competitive figure skater.
How many siblings does J.J. McCarthy have?
J.J. McCarthy has two sisters: an older sister named Caitlin McCarthy and a younger sister named Morgan McCarthy.
Does J.J. McCarthy have a brother?
No brother has been publicly identified. J.J. is the only son among Jim and Megan McCarthy’s three children.
Mariah Miranda is a dedicated sports journalist specializing in comprehensive NFL coverage, playbook strategy, and team analytics. From offseason Draft planning and free-agency moves to weekly matchup breakdowns and playoff pushes, she delivers clear, data-driven analysis of every division in the league. Driven by a deep understanding of football tactics and locker-room dynamics, Mariah brings fans closer to the gridiron with sharp commentary and player updates.
