Leaving Michigan for the pros, J.J. McCarthy is “so excited to continue” his football career with his longtime girlfriend Katya Kuropas.
Just one week after leading the Wolverines to a national championship, the 20-year-old quarterback talked about his “soulmate” and explained why he was leaving Ann Arbor after three years when he announced his candidacy for the 2024 NFL Draft on Sunday.
“To my darling Katya… You are my best friend, my soul mate, and my rock. I feel incredibly fortunate to be your partner for eternity. McCarthy wrote on social media, “I can’t wait to go on this journey with you.
McCarthy, who finished the season with 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and four interceptions passing, assisted Michigan in winning its first championship since 1997 last Monday when the team defeated Washington 34–13 in the CFP championship game.
He sealed the victory at Houston’s NRG Stadium with a kiss from Kuropas.
In October, the couple celebrated five years of dating.
Michigan concluded the season with a perfect 15-0 record. Jim Harbaugh, the head coach, missed three games due to a controversy surrounding sign-stealing in the fall.
While there are still unanswered concerns regarding Harbaugh’s professional future, McCarthy said in his message on Sunday that he conferred with the coach before deciding to enter the NFL draft.
McCarthy said, “I’ve talked to a lot of people in and out of football, including my family, Coach Harbaugh, and many whose viewpoints I really respect and admire.”
“I love my teammates, so making this decision was not easy, but how could it be? I adore Ann Arbor and my coaches as well.
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN believes that McCarthy is the fifth quarterback available in this year’s draft.
Before joining Michigan in 2015, Harbaugh coached the 49ers from 2011 to 2014. He is anticipated to interview for the head coaching position with the Chargers the following week.
