JJ McCarthy never got the opportunity to celebrate with a football spike during the New York Giants’ overtime victory in Houston on Sunday. His wife, Katya McCarthy, made sure the moment was not missed on social media.
“God, I love you,” Katya wrote on Instagram while sharing highlights from the game. “So deserving.”
Her celebration followed a difficult stretch for McCarthy in Minnesota, where the quarterback’s promising career began in 2024 before he eventually lost the Vikings’ confidence.
After Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart suffered a knee injury this season, Minnesota sent the former Michigan standout and No. 10 overall draft pick to New York in exchange for a fifth-round selection. When Dart’s backup, Jameis Winston, struggled despite posting a 2-1-1 record as a starter, Giants coach John Harbaugh turned to McCarthy.
McCarthy had an uneven performance in relief of Winston during last week’s loss to the New Orleans Saints. But in his first Giants start Sunday, the 23-year-old delivered a composed performance for the 4-2-1 club, completing 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards. Most importantly, he avoided the turnovers that had undermined him during his 10 starts with Minnesota.
“Obviously, there were moments in the past where I was like, ‘Why me?’” McCarthy told reporters after the victory. “A beautiful thing that was said in chapel one time was, ‘Don’t ask why; ask what’s next.’”
McCarthy delivered a strong performance in his first start for the Giants, completing 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards without committing a turnover
Katya’s celebration came after a turbulent period in Minnesota, where McCarthy’s once-promising career began in 2024 before he fell out of favor with the Vikings
Katya and JJ, who have been together since high school, are pictured with their dog
“Really just focus on the next step in front of you and how you can attack that to the best of your ability,” he continued. “It’s one of those things where you think you’re starting over, but no, you’re starting from experience. To be plugged into this group and this culture, I’m just extremely honored.”
“I thought he did a great job,” Harbaugh said after the game. “He made some great throws. I’m sure he didn’t play perfect, but he played a heck of a football game, and he deserves a lot of credit.”
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Harbaugh awarded McCarthy the honorary game ball in the locker room, prompting an emotional address from the Giants’ new starting quarterback.
“I don’t got a whole lot to say, but I am just so frigging blessed to be part of this group,” McCarthy said in locker room footage. “I felt you guys, all frigging day, had my back, and you know I got yours the rest of the f***ing way. Hey, this is just the f***ing beginning. This group is so talented, but the secret sauce is the s*** we just did out there, the resilience, the will to finish no matter what it looks like. I f***ing love you boys.”
McCarthy’s breakthrough came at Houston’s Reliant Stadium, the same venue where he previously won a national championship with the Wolverines under Harbaugh’s brother, Jim.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh presented McCarthy (right) with the honorary game ball after the victory
Katya shared this photo from what appeared to be an upscale restaurant in Manhattan
The 23-year-old’s circumstances have changed dramatically. Even if Dart returns in time for a playoff push, McCarthy has suddenly revived his career and established himself as a compelling option for New York.
“JJ McCarthy showed a little something today,” NFL insider and Monday Morning Quarterback columnist Albert Breer wrote on X.
McCarthy married his former high school sweetheart, Katya Kuropas, in April after the couple welcomed their first child.
The high school sweethearts also appear to be settling into life around New York. Although McCarthy technically works in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Katya recently shared a photo taken in what appeared to be an upscale Manhattan restaurant bathroom.
‘I [heart] it here,’ read the caption, which presumably referred to the city and not the bathroom.