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JJ McCarthy announces birth of son, reveals name

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs9 hours agogrant_grubbs_
JJ McCarthy (2)
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) practices before the game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

On Thursday, JJ McCarthy and his fiancé, Katya, welcomed their first child: Rome Micah McCarthy. The baby boy was 8.7 pounds and 21 inches, according to a post to Katya’s Instagram.

McCarthy missed the Minnesota Vikings’ practice Thursday to be present for his son’s birth. He returned to the practice field Friday. Evidently, McCarthy didn’t miss a beat.

“Ryan [Kelly] and I got a kick out of thinking about the last 24 hours for JJ knowing how many times him and I have both been through that, but not come out the very next day and have a great red zone kind of fast Friday practice,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Friday. “It’s an awesome moment as a father myself to kind of see his reaction to it, best day of his life.”

McCarthy is in his second season with the Minnesota Vikings and his first as the team’s full-time starting quarterback. McCarthy was named Sam Darnold‘s backup ahead of last season. However, while playing in the Vikings’ preseason opener, McCarthy tore his meniscus and missed his entire rookie campaign.

Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency this offseason, leaving McCarthy as the Vikings’ sole QB1. He started the new era off strong on Monday, leading the Vikings to a 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears.

In the victory, McCarthy completed 13-of-his-20 pass attempts for 143 yards and two touchdowns, compared to one interception. McCarthy also rushed for 25 yards and a score.

It was a comeback victory for the Vikings, who trailed 17-6 heading into the fourth quarter. After the game, O’Connell praised his young quarterback for his poise.

“We don’t win this game unless J.J. plays the way he did in the second half,” O’Connell said. “Most importantly, he kept the belief of this football team behind him, and now, we know it’s possible. You hope to not be in these circumstances very often. But this team’s made of the right stuff.”

The feeling is mutual between the two. JJ McCarthy raved about O’Connell following the win.

“That guy is one of the best – if not the best – coaches, in my opinion, in the National Football League,” he said. “Any kind of compliments or belief like that, it means the world. That just gave me the confidence to go out there and just execute the ball plays and have a fast arm and make quick, decisive decisions. And it worked out.”

On Sunday, McCarthy will look to build on his excellent week as the Vikings square off against the Atlanta Falcons at 8:20 p.m. ET. The game will air live on NBC.