Christian McCaffrey talks ‘chaotic’ holiday season as an NFL player

Like 2025 NFL playoffs approaching, 49ers star Christian McCaffrey opens up about how he and his family balance his busy 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 Culpofor holding down the fort while he’s on the road.

Speaking to PEOPLE, McCaffrey wasn’t shy about singing his wife’s praises, especially after 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 are similar in nature. “We both value hard work and understand what it takes to do our jobs effectively,” he said. said.

McCaffrey, who has been with 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 lucky” for the union he has with Culpo, whom he married in 2024. “She really makes my job easier, which is not easy in season. It’s a 24-hour, 24-hour deal. I’m lucky that she supports me as she does,” he added.

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

The former Miss Universe welcomed her daughter with the NFL star in July 2025. “Colette is so lucky to have the best dad in the world,” Culpo captioned an Instagram Stories photo 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, Culpo said she “felt very at peace.”

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

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

Although McCaffrey has not directly expressed his grievances about working on special holidays, some athletes around the league are expressing 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 writer Kory Woods, Penei Sewell, one of the team’s offensive linemen, expressed disappointment with his team’s presence on two family-centered vacations. “I’ll be extremely honest. I’m not happy, we already have Thanksgiving. We’re already playing on Thanksgiving, and the fact that we have to play on Christmas (and) away is something I wouldn’t want to do,” he said.