New Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy and his fiancée, Katya Kuropas, wasted no time celebrating Thursday after he was selected 10th overall by Minnesota in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The former Michigan star, 21, could be seen rocking a purple Vikings cap in an Instagram Story posted by Kuropas, which appeared to be captured from a post-draft party.
Kuropas, who sported Vikings swag of her own, later shared an Instagram Story that featured McCarthy in a Vikings uniform, adding a “fire” emoji next to the pic.
This year’s NFL draft opened with a quarterback frenzy as six signal-callers were selected within the first 12 picks.
Caleb Williams went off the board first to the Bears, followed by Jayden Daniels to the Commanders at No. 2 and Drake Maye to the Patriots at No. 3.
The Falcons, who signed veteran Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal in free agency, swooped in to grab Michael Penix at No. 8 in a shocking move, while the Vikings slid up from No. 11 to No. 10 to grab McCarthy.
Bo Nix was the final quarterback taken Thursday, going 12th overall to the Broncos.
McCarthy took in the exciting moment at home in Van Buren Township, Michigan, where he kissed Kuropas after Minnesota submitted their pick.
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“SKOL Minnesota, I’m here to get to work!” McCarthy posted Thursday on Instagram.
McCarthy is coming off a national championship win with Michigan, for whom he started the past two seasons.
In his final season with the Wolverines, McCarthy threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. He completed 72.3 percent of his passes.
One day before the 2024 NFL Draft began, Kuropas — who announced her engagement to McCarthy in January — reflected on “how amazing this past season was.”
“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,” she posted on Instagram.
Kuropas and McCarthy marked five years of dating in October 2023.