In a dramatic finale to the NFL regular season, a catastrophic error by San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey proved decisive in a must-win clash against the Seattle Seahawks. The costly mistake, which occurred with his wife Olivia Culpo watching from the stands, handed Seattle a 13-3 victory and the coveted No. 1 seed in the NFC conference.
A Season-Defining Moment in the Red Zone
The crucial play unfolded in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium on Saturday, January 4, 2026. With the Seahawks leading by 10 points, the 49ers were pushing hard to get back into the contest. On a 2nd-and-goal play from just three yards out, quarterback Brock Purdy targeted McCaffrey with a pass that seemed destined for a touchdown.
Instead of securing the catch, McCaffrey tipped the ball directly into the arms of Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas. Thomas made a game-winning interception before being pushed out of bounds, effectively ending San Francisco's scoring threat and any hope of a comeback.
Seahawks Seize Victory and Home-Field Advantage
Thomas's defensive play was the final nail in the coffin for the 49ers' attack. The Seahawks' 13-3 win secured them the top spot in the NFC, meaning they will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, right up to the Super Bowl. For the 49ers, the loss was a bitter end to their regular season campaign, with McCaffrey's uncharacteristic fumble at a critical juncture magnifying the disappointment.
The personal sting for McCaffrey was heightened by the presence of his family. Former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo was in attendance, having earlier shared a picture on her Instagram Story of herself and the couple's daughter, Colette Annalise, cheering him on prior to kick-off. Culpo also posted a video from the sidelines showing McCaffrey holding their young daughter moments before the game began.
Family Focus Amidst On-Field Drama
The couple, who married in June 2024, welcomed their daughter Colette on July 13 of last year. Culpo has been open about the challenges of her pregnancy, revealing in a March TikTok post that she had suffered from pneumonia and a subchorionic hematoma, a bleeding condition during pregnancy. Thankfully, Colette was born healthy, and the family have been navigating the early stages of parenthood.
While family life off the field remains a joy, the on-field result at Levi's Stadium was a harsh professional setback. The Seahawks' victory not only clinched the NFC's No. 1 seed but also demonstrated the fine margins that decide elite-level sport, where a single split-second error can alter the course of an entire season.
