There was no shortage of star power—on or off the field—at Levi’s Stadium as the San Francisco 49ers squared off against the Seattle Seahawks in a pivotal NFC West title showdown on January 4, 2026. But while the action on the gridiron left 49ers fans frustrated, the spectacle in the stands offered its own drama, fashion statements, and a glimpse into the lives of the NFL’s most talked-about personalities.
On a night marked by light rain and high stakes, the 49ers’ offense sputtered, managing only a field goal in a 13-3 loss to the Seahawks. The defeat meant the Niners would have to take their playoff ambitions on the road, dashing hopes of clinching the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye. Seattle’s defense was relentless, bottling up San Francisco’s usually high-flying attack and leaving fans to wonder: what went wrong?
It’s tough to ignore the impact of injuries, especially with defensive stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner sidelined for the season. Bosa, the 28-year-old five-time Pro Bowler and 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, has been out since suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. ESPN’s broadcast didn’t let fans forget it, frequently cutting to Bosa as he watched from his suite, joined by girlfriend Ella Ailiff. The camera lingered on the pair, with Bosa’s focus on the field and Ailiff’s bold fashion choice—a hot-pink 49ers No. 97 jersey, jeans, and black boots—turning heads both in the stadium and on social media.
Ailiff, a model, influencer, and matcha entrepreneur, has been a fixture by Bosa’s side in recent weeks, supporting him as he roots for his squad from the sidelines. Her Instagram stories from the game quickly caught fire, with fans and fashion watchers alike praising her unique take on team spirit. It’s not every day you see a custom jersey steal the show, but Ailiff’s look was a clear winner—even if the Niners weren’t.
Meanwhile, the 49ers’ offense struggled to find its rhythm, missing the dynamic presence of tight end George Kittle. Despite suffering an ankle injury just a week before the showdown, Kittle suited up, determined to contribute in this crucial contest. His 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular: 52 receptions, 799 yards, and seven touchdowns, earning him his seventh Pro Bowl selection. Kittle’s importance to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense can’t be overstated—he’s a force in both the run and pass game, and his resilience is a testament to his leadership on the field.
Off the field, the Kittle family brought their own flair to Levi’s Stadium. Claire Kittle, George’s wife and a former Iowa Hawkeyes basketball player, was impossible to miss with her signature game-day style. Matching the 49ers’ classic ‘85 look, Claire sported eye-catching red boots that doubled as rain gear for the drizzly evening. Her fashion sense has become something of a legend among Niners faithful, and she didn’t disappoint. “Game days are so much more than just the game,” Claire shared in a recent interview. “It’s about ‘fits, who’s in town, who traveled here—we do so many fun things pre-game, at the game, post-game.”
Claire’s presence at games is more than just sartorial. In 2025, she launched the Hoss Tailgate Tour and became a prominent partner for Smirnoff’s ‘We Do Game Days’ campaign, bringing a new level of excitement to the 49ers’ suite experience. Her pre-game rituals start two hours before kickoff and extend well into post-game celebrations, orchestrating memorable experiences for friends and family. But it’s her personal journey that’s truly inspiring. Reflecting on her transformation over the past year, Claire said, “I was really good at saying no. But at the beginning of 2025, I just made a conscious decision to flip the script.”
That decision led Claire to embrace new opportunities, including hosting the ‘Wife’d Up, Mic’d Up’ podcast series alongside Kristin Juszczyk, which delves into game day culture and the lives of NFL families. “I think I’ve been doing a pretty good job of just trying to say yes to more opportunities and say yes to more things,” she told PEOPLE magazine. Her resolution for 2026 is to continue that growth, pushing herself outside her comfort zone and seeing where new ventures might take her. “Just trying to get into that uncomfortable fear zone, because that’s when you can grow,” she explained, acknowledging that while the idea sounds simple, it requires real courage to break old habits and embrace the unknown.
Claire and George’s story is one of partnership and perseverance. The two met as freshmen at Iowa—he played football, she played basketball—and their journey together has included a secret elopement in April 2019 in Iowa City, followed by a larger celebration with friends and family in Nashville in April 2021. Their bond, both on and off the field, is a cornerstone of the 49ers’ extended family, and Claire’s evolution from “no-sayer” to opportunity-embracer is a model for anyone seeking personal growth.
As the 49ers look to regroup for the playoffs, the spotlight on their players’ families remains as bright as ever. Whether it’s Ella Ailiff’s viral game-day fits or Claire Kittle’s growing media presence and business ventures, these women are carving out their own identities and redefining what it means to be part of the NFL community. For Claire, the year ahead is about saying yes—to new experiences, partnerships, and the kind of personal evolution that only comes from stepping into the unknown. “I feel like I know who I am and I just want to see where these opportunities may take me,” she said, her optimism echoing the hope of every fan eager to see what the next chapter holds.
For now, the 49ers’ playoff path may be uncertain, but one thing’s for sure: the team—and the remarkable women supporting them—aren’t backing down from any challenge. As the postseason looms, all eyes will be on San Francisco, both on the field and in the suites, where the next great story could be just a “yes” away.