Christian McCaffrey Opens Up on Intense Dad Guilt Amid NFL Camp
Christian McCaffrey admits juggling fatherhood and NFL training has been tougher than he expected. I guess I can simplify this for you: you probably should already know that life as a professional athlete and a new dad is no easy feat. Jordan Collins here, ready to guide you through the nitty gritty of how McCaffrey is coping with “dad guilt” while suiting up for the San Francisco 49ers.
In an August 5 interview with NFL Network, the 29-year-old running back confessed that leaving his wife, former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, and their four-week-old daughter, Colette Annalise, at home has weighed heavily on him. “I feel guilty at times,” Christian told the network. “I’m sleeping well in the hotel bedroom while she’s doing the dirty work. But I’m super thankful for her and she’s doing an incredible job.” Those quotes, captured on camera and aired nationwide, underscore just how real his parenting concerns are, even as he chases another championship ring.
Of course you need context. Olivia, 33, underwent a C-section in July to welcome Colette. Since then, she and her mother have made surprise visits to San Francisco’s training camp, and McCaffrey’s daughter has already sat through a couple of practices. According to an Instagram post by Culpo on July 17, the little family even twinned in fluffy brown robes for a “mommy-daughter matching” moment, with Olivia joking about “diapers and all.” Clearly, family support is mission critical, and Culpo’s public updates confirm that she is more than happy to hold the fort—or at least the likes on social media.
Between conditioning drills and playbook sessions, McCaffrey makes time for FaceTime calls and post-practice check-ins. “It’s been incredible,” he said in the same NFL Network feature. “Getting over practice, whether you’ve had a good day or bad day, and just being able to go there and see your daughter. It’s very special.” If that sounds like a Hallmark moment, it is. But even pros need a little help. McCaffrey credited his wife and families for stepping up when he can’t be there in person. “My wife and our families do such a great job in helping out when needed and allowing me to still train and keep football first.”
Let’s not forget McCaffrey’s on-field feats. Back in October 2023, the running back surpassed a Jerry Rice franchise record for most consecutive games with a touchdown, earning gratitude and cheers from his bride on the sidelines. Fans can also recall their PDA during a June 2024 wedding celebration and a spring break RV trip before Easter 2023. If you thought his cleats were busy, wait until you see his schedule balancing diaper duty with backfield runs.
As training camp heats up, keep an eye on how McCaffrey and Culpo carve out family moments amid grueling practice schedules. Will Colette become the youngest cheerleader in NFL history? Stay tuned.
Glad I could clear that up for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and NFL Network, E! Online, Olivia Culpo Instagram
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
