1. Introduction
Jonathan James (J.J.) McCarthy is a rising star in the NFL—an accomplished quarterback who made waves at Michigan before being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. While his on-field prowess garners much attention, his personal life, early beginnings, and financial growth are equally compelling. In this article, we’ll explore four key areas of interest: his girlfriend (fiancée), salary, high school journey, and net worth.
2. Girlfriend (Fiancée) & Age
2.1 A Love Story Rooted in High School
McCarthy’s romantic story began at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois, during his sophomore year in 2018, when he started dating Katya Kuropas, his high school sweetheart. Despite McCarthy later transferring to IMG Academy in Florida, their relationship endured the distance.
2.2 Engagement and Growing Family
They announced their engagement shortly after Michigan’s national championship win, on January 20, 2024. As of today, Katya is engaged and expecting their first child—a baby boy arriving in September 2025.
2.3 Age & Personal Details
Katya Kuropas was reportedly born on January 28, 2003, making her 23 years old Sportskeeda. She’s been a steadfast presence at McCarthy’s games and an unwavering partner through his athletic journey.
3. Salary & Earnings
3.1 NFL Rookie Deal & Compensation
Selected 10th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $21.85 million contract, which included a $12.71 million signing bonus.
3.2 Income Breakdown
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2024 (Rookie Season): Base salary around $795,000, with total earnings hitting approximately $13.5 million thanks to the signing bonus.
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2025: Base salary projected at $960,000, plus a roster bonus of $828,400, bringing total compensation near $1.8 million.
4. High School Journey
4.1 Nazareth Academy
Born January 20, 2003, in Evanston and raised in La Grange Park, Illinois, McCarthy attended Nazareth Academy where he excelled as quarterback—leading the team to an impressive 26–2 record and consecutive state championship game appearances, including a title in 2018.
4.2 IMG Academy
Following cancellation of Nazareth’s season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his senior year, achieving an undefeated 8–0 season and national high school championship.
5. Net Worth
5.1 Early Estimates (2024)
At the time of the 2024 NFL Draft, McCarthy’s net worth was estimated around $1 million.
5.2 Update by End of 2024
By the close of 2024, with NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals and draft earnings, his estimated net worth had grown to roughly $1.5 million.
5.3 Current Worth (2025)
Based on rookie contract payouts, signing bonuses, and compounding earnings, as of early 2025, his net worth remains around $1 million, with total contract sums already exceeding that figure. This indicates continued growth, but still within that ballpark range at this stage of his career.
6. Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Girlfriend / Fiancée | Katya Kuropas (age 23), engaged January 2024; baby due September 2025 |
| Salary | 2024: ~$13.5M total (incl. bonus); 2025: ~$1.8M projected |
| High School | Nazareth Academy (IL); IMG Academy (FL) – state and national titles |
| Net Worth | 2024: ~$1M; by end of 2024: ~$1.5M; 2025: still around ~$1M |