Christian McCaffrey is embracing a new chapter off the field—fatherhood—and says it has reshaped how he approaches game day. The San Francisco 49ers running back shared that seeing his five-month-old daughter, Colette, before games has become a powerful source of motivation.
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE in connection with his partnership with Intuit QuickBooks, McCaffrey described those pregame moments with his family as grounding. “My family is one of the reasons I play,” he said. “Whenever you get to see them right before you go out to battle, it’s a quick reminder of why you’re doing it.”
A new perspective on game day
McCaffrey, 29, welcomed daughter Colette earlier this year with his wife, Olivia Culpo. While the NFL schedule leaves little room for downtime, the All-Pro running back says having his family nearby makes the intensity of game day feel more meaningful.
“It means everything to have my family there,” McCaffrey added. He reflected on growing up around the sport and watching his own father play professional football. Though Colette is too young to remember her time at the stadium, McCaffrey says simply knowing she was present carries deep emotional weight.
A stylish sideline supporter
Culpo has shared glimpses of Colette’s game-day appearances on social media, quickly charming fans. Earlier this month, she posted photos from the 49ers’ matchup against the Tennessee Titans, showing their daughter dressed in team colors.
For the occasion, Colette wore a white fuzzy hat and a red sweater styled like a miniature version of McCaffrey’s jersey, complete with his No. 23 stitched on the sleeve. The custom look also featured “let’s go” embroidered across the back, adding to the family’s celebratory mood after the 49ers’ 37–24 win. When asked about his daughter’s outfits, McCaffrey laughed and credited Culpo. “Yeah, if you know her mom, she’ll dress her up, that’s for sure,” he said.
Family first during a busy season
Beyond game days, McCaffrey acknowledged that balancing family life during the NFL season can be challenging, particularly around the holidays. Practices, travel, and treatment schedules often leave little room for traditional celebrations.
“Our lives are so hectic, especially during football season,” he explained. “Sometimes you’re playing on Christmas, practicing, doing treatments—it’s chaotic.” For now, he says, the priority is simply bringing loved ones together when possible.
“Getting as many family members together is a huge win,” McCaffrey added. He noted that once his playing career winds down, he and Culpo hope to focus more intentionally on building holiday traditions with their daughter.
Motivation beyond the scoreboard
As McCaffrey continues another demanding NFL campaign, fatherhood has given his routine added meaning. While touchdowns and wins still matter, he says the moments spent with his family—especially seeing Colette before kickoff—now define success in a deeper way. For the 49ers star, the motivation is no longer just about performance. It’s about playing for the people waiting on the other side of the tunnel.
