The Romantic Journey of University of Michigan Quarterback JJ McCarthy and Girlfriend Katya Kuropas
University of Michigan QB JJ McCarthy and girlfriend Katya Kuropas' relationship timeline from 2018 to October 2023, showcasing their journey and milestones together
J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback for the University of Michigan, leads a busy life both on and off the field. He has been in a relationship with his girlfriend, Katya Kuropas, for over four years, with the couple having met back in high school in Illinois. Prior to joining Michigan, McCarthy made a name for himself at Nazareth Academy, where he was recognized as one of the top quarterback recruits during his junior and senior years. In May 2019, he committed to the University of Michigan and has since continued to excel in his athletic career.
Before committing to play for the Wolverines, he made his relationship with Kuropas public on Instagram several months earlier. In January 2019, he expressed his feelings by declaring, "I am so fortunate to be dating this girl. She brings me immense joy and happiness. Thank you for being amazing every single day. Happy birthday Katya.️"
McCarthy joined Michigan prior to the 2021 season and served as backup to starting QB Cade McNamara. He marked three years with Kuropas in October.
"Three years with the love of my life. I can't imagine where I'd be without her," he gushed on Instagram. "I don't deserve her. She's an amazing woman with such a pure heart and soul."
McCarthy emphasized that religion played a significant role in their relationship, expressing gratitude for God bringing his partner into his life and hoping she would continue to be by his side in the years ahead. In his second season with the team, McCarthy was chosen as the starter over McNamara.
"J.J. delivered an almost perfect performance, going 11-for-12 and would have been perfect if not for one dropped pass. It's a tough feat to accomplish in any practice session," head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters after McCarthy led Michigan to a 56-10 victory over Hawaii in September 2022. "I believe he had an outstanding game. He's been performing really well, so we'll be starting J.J. next week. He has earned it based on his performance and merit."
A month later, he celebrated four years with Kuropas by his side.
"I can hardly believe it's been 4 years, my dear," he penned in a note. "We may have been high school sweethearts, but it feels like I've known you since we were in the playpen. I feel blessed and extremely thankful for your love and pure heart. Together, forever, no matter what life may bring."
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McCarthy had a successful year on the field, but it came to an end when Michigan suffered their first loss of the season to Texas Christian University in the College Football Playoff on December 31, 2022.
Scroll through to see McCarthy and Kuropas’ relationship timeline:
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
University of Michigan Quarterback J.J. McCarthy and Girlfriend Katya Kuropas’ Relationship Timeline
J.J. McCarthy, the quarterback for the University of Michigan, leads a busy life both on and off the field. He has been in a relationship with his girlfriend, Katya Kuropas, for over four years, with the pair first meeting while in high school in Illinois. McCarthy gained attention for his skills as a football player at Nazareth Academy, ultimately committing to the University of Michigan in May 2019 after being recognized as one of the top quarterback recruits during his junior and senior years of high school.
Before committing to the Wolverines, he made his relationship with Kuropas public on Instagram months prior. In January 2019, he expressed his admiration, saying, "I consider myself lucky to be with this girl. She brings me so much happiness. Thank you for being amazing every day. Happy birthday Katya.️"
Arriving at Michigan before the 2021 season, McCarthy served as backup to starting QB Cade McNamara. In October of that year, he marked three years with Kuropas.
"Three trips around the sun with the love of my life. I truly can't imagine where I'd be without her," he shared on Instagram. "I don't believe I deserve her, given the amazing person she is. Her pureness of heart and soul is just one of the many qualities that make her incredible."
McCarthy emphasized that religion played a significant role in their relationship, expressing gratitude for God bringing the woman into his life and praying that she remains by his side for years to come. In his second season with the team, McCarthy was named the starter over McNamara.
"J.J. delivered a nearly flawless performance, going 11-for-12 with only one dropped pass. That’s not an easy feat to achieve even in practice," head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters after McCarthy led Michigan to a 56-10 win over Hawaii in September 2022. "I thought he played an excellent game. He's performing exceptionally well, so we'll start J.J. next week. He's earned it through his outstanding performance and merit."
One month later, he celebrated four years alongside Kuropas.
"It's hard to believe it's been 4 years, my love," he wrote. "We've been high school sweethearts, but it feels like I've known you since we were in diapers. I feel blessed and incredibly grateful for your love and kind heart. Together, forever, no matter what life throws at us."
McCarthy's success on the football field continued throughout the year, until an undefeated Michigan team lost to Texas Christian University in the College Football Playoff on December 31, 2022.
Scroll through to see McCarthy and Kuropas’ relationship timeline:
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
2018
The twosome started dating.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
August 2019
The athlete marked “365 days of loving” Kuropas.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
December 2019
McCarthy referred to his love as “my rock” during his junior year of high school.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
June 2020
“Some things just go better together️,” he gushed via Instagram.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
October 2020
McCarthy took to Instagram to celebrate their two-year anniversary, expressing gratitude for finding the right woman for him at such a young age and looking forward to many more years together with the woman of his dreams.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
April 2021
The duo posed for a sweet snap.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
September 2021
“How’d I get so lucky ,” the football player gushed via Instagram.
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
October 2021
In his third anniversary tribute, McCarthy referred to Kuropas as the “love of my life.”
Credit: Courtesy of J.J. McCarthy/Instagram
January 2022
"Happy birthday to the most amazing person ️," he wrote in his heartfelt birthday message to his girlfriend. "You are not just the love of my life, but also my best friend who always encourages me to be the best version of myself every single day. 19 years down and many more to come, and I would consider myself the luckiest man in the world to spend the rest of them by your side. Happy 19th birthday @katyakuropas !!! I love you more than words can express ️️️."
Credit: Courtesy of Katya Kuropas/VSCO
October 2022
Kuropas was on hand to watch McCarthy’s first season as Michigan’s starting quarterback as the couple marked four years together on October 8.
Credit: Courtesy of Katya Kuropas/VSCO
November 2022
Kuropas watched McCarthy and the Wolverines beat Purdue to win the Big Ten Championship on December 3.
Credit: ESPN
December 2022
Kuropas garnered attention on the internet during the Fiesta Bowl as ESPN consistently featured her responses in the audience while Michigan faced off against TCU on New Year’s Eve. (McCarthy and the Wolverines suffered a 51-45 defeat.)
Credit: Katya Kuropas/VSCO
October 2023
As Kuropas continued to support McCarthy from the stands at Michigan games, they celebrated their fifth anniversary.
"I've spent 1,825 days with my love, but it's the countless unforgettable moments that will stay with me forever. I am filled with gratitude for who you are and everything you do. You bring out the best in me, and I feel truly blessed to witness your growth into the incredible woman you are. I love you, my queen! ❤️" - he posted on Instagram.
