Christian McCaffrey Talks ‘Chaotic’ Holiday Season As An NFL Player

As the 2025 NFL postseason draws nearer, 49ers star Christian McCaffrey is opening up about how he and his family balance his hectic schedule during the holiday season. During a new interview, the 29-year-old reflected on life as a new father and credited his wife, Olivia Culpo, for holding down the fort while he’s on the road.

Speaking with PEOPLE, McCaffrey wasn’t shy when it came to singing his wife’s praises, especially following the arrival of their now 5-month-old daughter, Colette McCaffrey. According to the NFL star, he and Culpo work so well together because they’re similar in nature. “We both value hard work and understand what it takes to do our jobs efficiently,” he said.

McCaffrey, who has been part of the 49ers since the 2022 season, also explained that his wife’s support is part of what keeps him going. “The level of understanding, humility, and teamwork applies to both family and business,” he said, calling himself “very fortunate” for the union he has with Culpo, whom he married in 2024. “She really makes my job easy, which isn’t easy in-season. It’s a 24-hour, on-the-clock deal. I feel lucky she supports me the way she does,” he added.

This isn’t the first time McCaffrey has spoken highly about his wife. In a previous interview with NFL Network, McCaffrey admitted to feeling guilty when he sees Culpo “doing the dirty work.” He thanked her, though, for her unwavering commitment to him and their family.

The former Miss Universe welcomed her daughter with the NFL standout in July 2025. “Colette is so lucky to have the best daddy in the world,” Culpo captioned an Instagram Stories picture of her husband standing by her side. “A love like no other.”

In another snap, Culpo, 33, called giving birth to her daughter the “scariest and most rewarding of all experiences.” As soon as McCaffrey entered the room, however, Culpo said she “felt most at peace.”

As the Christmas holiday approaches, McCaffrey recognizes that their family’s traditions aren’t currently what they’ll always be. “Our lives are so hectic, especially during football season,” he said, noting that if he’s not playing on Christmas, he’s “practicing [or] doing treatments,” calling it “chaotic.”

He added, “Christmas has always been that way for me.” However, McCaffrey has attempted to make the most of every holiday season while he’s in the league, the best way he can. “We’re just blessed if we can get our family together, that’s the tradition,” he said. “Once I’m done playing, we’ll hone in on holiday traditions, but for now, getting as many family members together is a huge win.”

While McCaffrey didn’t directly air grievances about working on special holidays, some athletes in the league are voicing their frustrations. Teams like the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving Day, and this year, the Lions will lace up their cleats on Christmas Day against the Minnesota Vikings.

According to Detroit Lions beat writer Kory Woods, Penei Sewell, one of the team’s offensive linemen, expressed his disappointment with his team having games on two family-centered holidays. “I’m going to be brutally honest. I’m not happy, we already have Thanksgiving. We already play on Thanksgiving, and the fact that we have to play on Christmas (and) away, is something I wouldn’t want to do,” he said.