Olivia Culpo is all smiles after watching her superstar hubby, Christian McCaffrey, light up the field once again. The San Francisco 49ers running back made his long-awaited return from an Achilles injury, and let’s just say the pride in Culpo’s eyes is undeniable.
After months of recovery, McCaffrey’s back where he belongs, leaving defenders in the dust and his wife in total awe.
The McCaffreys are a dynamic duo both on and off the field, and Culpo’s beaming face says it all. Nothing beats the joy of seeing your loved one back in action, doing what they do best. Talk about power couple vibes!
Olivia Culpo Cheers on Christian McCaffrey’s Comeback With Heartfelt IG Tribute
“Proud of you, husband!” was the heartfelt message Culpo posted on Instagram after her husband returned to the 49ers’ lineup, taking the field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Sports Illustrated alum wasn’t shy about her support, posting snaps of the two of them hugging and sharing a kiss. She was seated front row for her husband’s long-awaited comeback, and her pride was crystal clear.
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After months off due to a calf injury in preseason, plus a stubborn Achilles tendinitis, the 28-year-old was finally back in action. McCaffrey’s return to the field didn’t disappoint, either.
The Stanford Cardinal product racked up 39 rushing yards, helping San Francisco edge out Tampa Bay 23-20. This comeback moment was a huge relief for the team — and for Culpo, who had watched McCaffrey grind through a challenging recovery.
With her cheering him on from the stands, joined by friends like Claire Kittle (wife of Niners’ TE George Kittle), Culpo brought the energy, keeping spirits high as McCaffrey made his mark on the game.
For the newlyweds — who tied the knot this summer in a stunning Rhode Island ceremony — it was a picture-perfect moment of resilience and support.
After such a grueling rehab journey, CMC’s game may not have been record-breaking in yards, but it was a win in every other sense. As Culpo’s IG post summed up, this was about more than stats. It was about perseverance, pride, and a powerful comeback.
Bill Belichick Praises McCaffrey’s Underrated Grit
Bill Belichick doesn’t hand out compliments like candy, but when it comes to McCaffrey, he can’t help but admire the 49ers’ star RB’s surprising edge in power running.
“I don’t think Christian McCaffrey gets enough credit for his inside running,” Belichick shared on The Pat McAfee Show. “He’s very good at setting up blocks and accelerates through the hole.”
While the three-time Pro Bowler’s reputation often rests on his agility and route running, Belichick highlighted McCaffrey’s gritty ability to take on defenders between the tackles — a trait that may go unnoticed but packs a punch in crucial moments.
The former New England Patriots head coach, a defensive genius with an eye for opponent weaknesses, knows a thing or two about power runners. McCaffrey’s performance against the Bucs proved his versatility when he braved Tampa’s heavy front, anchored by Vita Vea, despite the 49ers’ struggles on the ground.
After eight weeks out with calf and Achilles issues, McCaffrey’s return shows he’s not just a finesse player. He’s the kind of tough-as-nails back that could drive San Francisco’s playoff push.