Vikings fans are celebrating after the team overcame a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to open the 2025 season with a win over NFC North rival Chicago on Monday night.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy led much of the way, completing eight of 11 passes and producing three total touchdowns in the fourth quarter to stun the Bears 27-24.
Here are some things to know about McCarthy.
Where did McCarthy grow up?
- McCarthy grew up a diehard Bears fan in a suburb outside of Chicago. The Bears became the first NFL team McCarthy watched in person at age 4.
- McCarthy attended high school in Illinois before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida in 2020, where he became one of thetop high school prospects in the nation.
- McCarthy attended the University of Michigan, where he helped the team win a national title during his senior season. He was coached by current Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Where was he drafted?
- McCarthy was a first-round draft pick in 2024, becoming the Vikings’ No. 10 overall pick. McCarthy was one of six quarterbacks (fifth) drafted within the first 12 picks.
Why didn’t he play last season?
- McCarthy missed last season after suffering a torn meniscus in the first preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
What’s McCarthy’s relationship status?
- McCarthy is engaged to Katya Kuropas, who he reportedly met at Nazareth Academy in La Grange, Ill. The two are expecting their firstborn son to arrive this month.
What are his hobbies?
- McCarthy told reporters last fall that his personal library includes books on fatherhood, “The Invention of Yesterday: A 50,000-Year History of Human Culture, Conflict and Connection” by Tamim Ansary; “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose” by Eckhart Tolle; and “Stay Sane in an Insane World” by Greg Harden.
- McCarthy credits meditation and journaling with helping him get through some tough times in high school and recovering from knee surgery. Though his meditation first went viral at Michigan, McCarthy says he relies on meditation practice “every single day, multiple times a day.”
