Claire Kittle Lands Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Digital Cover

49ers Tight End's Wife Shares Hard Work Behind Milestone Achievement

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Claire Kittle, wife of San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, has been named as one of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit digital cover models. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kittle reflected on the intense preparation and dedication that went into achieving this lifelong dream, including two months of training to feel confident and strong for the photoshoot on Captiva Island, Florida.

Why it matters

Claire Kittle's appearance on the prestigious Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover represents the intersection of athletics and fashion modeling, showcasing her diverse talents and inspiring others to pursue bold opportunities. As part of a diverse roster of cover models, Kittle's story highlights the evolving representation in sports media.

The details

In her Instagram post, Kittle expressed gratitude to the Sports Illustrated team for making her dream a reality, noting the significance of this milestone. She detailed the rigorous two-month training regimen she undertook to prepare physically and mentally for the photoshoot. Kittle's athletic background as a former University of Iowa basketball player likely contributed to the discipline and confidence needed for the demanding SI Swimsuit feature.

  • Claire Kittle's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit digital cover was released on February 11, 2026.
  • Kittle spent two months training and preparing for the photoshoot prior to the cover release.

The players

Claire Kittle

The wife of San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, who was named as one of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit digital cover models for 2026.

George Kittle

The tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, who expressed pride and support for his wife Claire's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover achievement.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

The prestigious annual swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated magazine, which featured Claire Kittle as one of its digital cover models for 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I cannot believe I get to say I'm a SI Swimsuit digital cover model! I've wanted to be a part of the SI family for as long as I can remember. Timing truly is everything and I wouldn't want it written any differently. To the SI team, thank you for bringing my name up in conversations and making my dream a reality.”

— Claire Kittle (Instagram)

“I worked my b*tt off for two months to look and feel my absolute best and I'm so proud of that strong girl. Here's your sign to say 'yes, why the hell not' to the pinch me scary opportunities that call- they always turn out to be the most rewarding.”

— Claire Kittle (Instagram)

“The only negative is that it came out at 5 AM this time, so we woke up to look at it, which I was excited for. It was a blast. She had an opportunity, and now she's just crushing it. People are like, 'Oh wow, Claire is cooler than you.' I've been saying this for ten years, my wife is cooler than me, and now you guys are finally starting to believe it.”

— George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers Tight End (Sports Illustrated)

What’s next

The upcoming months may see Claire Kittle expanding her public presence and continuing to break new ground alongside other notable figures featured in the latest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.

The takeaway

Claire Kittle's appearance on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit digital cover showcases the intersection of athleticism and fashion modeling, inspiring others to pursue their bold dreams. Her candid reflections on hard work and self-belief resonate with many who strive for challenging opportunities.