The Kittle Things – Episode 3 Summary

Episode Title: Christian McCaffrey On His Shocking Trade, Falling In Love With Olivia & Being BFFs w/George Kittle
Air Date: September 30, 2025
Hosts: George Kittle & Claire Kittle
Guest: Christian McCaffrey (with a surprise drop-in by Olivia McCaffrey)

Episode Overview

In this episode, George and Claire Kittle welcome their close friend, NFL running back Christian McCaffrey, for a wide-ranging conversation blending football, friendship, family, music, and life’s “little things.” The trio reflect on McCaffrey's shocking midseason trade to the 49ers, his blossoming relationship (and now marriage) with Olivia, life as a new dad, and their BFF status both on and off the field. The episode is filled with humor, heartfelt stories, and even some relationship advice, with Olivia joining later for a candid segment. Music, wedding karaoke, and McCaffrey’s new business ventures round out a lively episode that feels more like eavesdropping on great friends than a typical sports podcast.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Story of McCaffrey’s Trade to the 49ers

• Shocking Night:
  • Christian was in bed around 11:15 p.m. when he got the call from his agent. He thought he might be traded to the Rams, but instead learned he was heading to the 49ers.
  • George was the first to call him—before even the GM or head coach.
  • Quote:
    • “Before John Lynch or Kyle Shanahan could call me, George calls me, dude. Let’s go.” – Christian (14:25)
• How the Trade News Broke:
  • George found out while gaming, yelled with excitement, and immediately called Christian.
  • Claire was at a Women of the Niners event, dodging out of yoga to take George’s frantic calls.
• Aftermath:
  • Christian’s locker was right next to George’s, much to their mutual delight.
  • This sparked a new, fun era of their friendship and on-field partnership.

2. Becoming a Dad & Family Life

• Pregnancy and Fatherhood:
  • Christian spoke emotionally about the moment he and Olivia learned she was pregnant with their daughter, Colette. He emphasized the joy and overwhelming feelings of seeing the positive test.
  • Quote:
    • “You don’t realize how much joy a human noticing things gives you... even just saying that, it’s so special.” – Christian (5:47)
• Birth Experience & Respect for Women:
  • He recounted the intensity of being present for Colette’s birth and his newfound respect for women.
  • Quote:
    • “It’s crazy to think that you go through something that traumatic right into taking care of another human... definitely a newfound respect.” – Christian (6:25)
• Naming Colette:
  • Claire jokes about her own middle name being Colette; Christian confirms the baby is not actually named after her, but they all share a laugh.
• Baby Shower & Thoughtful Gifts:
  • The group discusses Olivia’s meticulously planned baby shower and a touching gift: a book of wisdom from experienced mothers.

3. Wedding Stories & Friendship Origins

• First Encounters:
  • George, Claire, and Christian reminisce about meeting at a Nike event during the early days of Christian and Olivia’s relationship.
• Memorable Wedding Moments:
  • Stories of viral photos (Greg Olsen “banged up” when he actually wasn’t), running out of beer at the party, and epic afterparties.
• Rumors Busted:
  • They debunk the myth that Christian was thinking about NFL play calls during his wedding—he was definitely present!

4. Locker Room Bond to BFFs

• From College Rivals to Pro Teammates:
  • George had “nightmares” from Christian’s Rose Bowl performance versus Iowa, but now cherishes their close locker room bond.
• Locker Setup Story:
  • Having had a “rotating door” of different teammates in the locker next to him, George was thrilled when Christian became his permanent neighbor.

5. Musical Adventures & Talents

• Musical Family:
  • Christian reveals he plays piano and (one song on) harmonica, and that Olivia’s family is seriously musically gifted (her mom is first chair at the Boston Symphony and her brother is an incredible pianist).
  • Christian initially learned piano “to impress girls,” but later learned Olivia was way out of his league musically.
  • Quote:
    • “The irony is I married Olivia, who’s a legit cello player... and you can just see her face: ‘you’re really off.’” – Christian (21:04)
• Red Rocks Moment:
  • Christian got to play piano on stage at Red Rocks with Zach Bryan—an unforgettable experience.
  • Quote:
    • “That was, like, a very memorable moment for me. I’ll always remember that.” – Christian (22:46)
• Dream Instrument:
  • Christian would love to master the acoustic guitar for campfire jam sessions (even if he admits he hasn’t actually been to one in years).

6. Karaoke Extravaganza

• The gang plays "Start, Sit, Cut" with classic karaoke songs (31:30–36:35), debating the merits of “Living on a Prayer,” “Friends in Low Places,” “I Want it That Way,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Mr. Brightside,” and more.
• Olivia joins and shares memories of early-karaoke jam sessions with Christian, including their rendition of “Shallow” when they first started dating.

7. Relationship Advice with Olivia & Claire

• Dinner Standing Up (25:34):
  • A listener asks how to get her husband to eat dinner sitting down. Olivia and Christian both reveal they eat standing up and recommend embracing it.
  • Quote:
    • “If the chairs are anything like the couch here, it’s a low back nightmare... Instead of judging the guy, join him.” – Christian (25:45)
• Boyfriend Won’t Dance at Weddings (26:34):
  • Olivia counsels: accept your partner’s personality and don’t shame introverts, while George and Christian push for a little friendly encouragement to avoid regrets.
• Sharing Shampoo (29:15):
  • The group laughs about sharing self-care products—Claire and Olivia both admit their men steal their expensive stuff, and advice is to buy a backup “guy’s edition” for them.

8. Christian’s New Business: “While On Earth”

• New Venture:
  • Christian details his foray into the athleisure business as co-founder of While On Earth—a footwear and apparel brand.
  • He highlights obsessing over the technical specs: footbed design, arch support, and working with a top team.
  • Quote:
    • “I was like, this will transcend football. This is something that whenever I do stop playing, I have something I can work on, and I’m not confused or have all these things.” – Christian (39:24)
• Kittle seal of approval:
  • George and Claire have already “stolen” their shirts from Christian’s gifted care packages!

9. “Game Ball” Superlatives & Rapid-Fire Fun

• The group wraps up with a quick-fire segment: Who plans date nights? Who wants to go home first? Who takes care of spiders? Who’s the better bartender or dresser? (43:28–45:48)
• These lighthearted questions further reveal their genuinely warm, fun dynamic.

10. Memorable Miss Universe Anecdote

• George reveals he first “met” Olivia as a fan—watching her win Miss Universe on TV with friends back in college, never dreaming she’d become a close friend years later.
  • “Technically, I’ve been supporting her longer than you have.” – George (38:21)

Notable & Memorable Quotes

• Christian on becoming a dad:
  • “I just stare at her. It’s sad not being with them. I haven’t seen them in a few weeks just because of camp and everything, but I get videos and pictures... it’s so special.” (5:47)
• On playing music in a relationship:
  • “I learned piano to impress girls... The irony is I married Olivia, who’s a legit cello player. The first time I’m playing for her... you can just see her face, ‘you’re really off.’” (21:04)
• On locker room fate:
  • “I was like, please, just give me some... a foundation. Someone who’s just gonna be here with me.” – George (17:11)
• On wedding rumors:
  • “There was a joke that Shanahan said you were thinking about play calls at your wedding... wasn’t true at all.” – Christian (10:36)
• On dancing at weddings:
  • “Mandatory for everybody to dance—there’s nothing as somebody who loves the dance floor who feels more awkward than when you watch the Guy staring... it’s a little bit of a vibe killer.” – Christian (27:53)
• On business after football:
  • “This will transcend football... whenever I do stop playing, I have something I can work on.” – Christian (39:24)

Highlighted Timestamps

• Trade Night Call – 14:22–15:50
• First moments as a dad – 5:05–6:15
• Miss Universe watch party reveal – 37:00–38:21
• Karaoke segment – 31:15–36:30
• Red Rocks piano with Zach Bryan – 22:08–22:46
• Christian’s While On Earth business story – 38:31–42:43
• Relationship advice with Olivia – 25:34–30:38
• “Game Ball” rapid-fire couple questions – 43:03–45:48

Tone & Style

True to The Kittle Things’ spirit, the tone is loose, genuine, loaded with friendly chiding and warmth. George’s goofy, energetic style meshes perfectly with Claire’s quick wit and Christian’s grounded sincerity. Olivia brings depth and balance, especially during the advice segment. The episode swings from laugh-out-loud to heartfelt—never feeling like a formal interview, but more like the best kind of inside glimpse into NFL friendships and real life beyond the game.

For Listeners

Whether you’re a 49ers fan, football junkie, or just love hearing about the heart and humor behind the headlines, this episode is packed with stories, camaraderie, laughs, and a healthy dose of practical (and not-so-practical) relationship wisdom. A must-listen for anyone curious about the "little things" that make life big for the NFL’s favorite couples.