"It's about taking our power back" - When Justin Verlander's wife Kate Upton reflected on SI’s stance on women’s empowerment in iconic issue

It has been 60 years since Sports Illustrated had its first publication in 1954. Over the years a number of high-profile models have graced the cover of its Swimsuit issue. Few have done it multiple times including Justin Verlander's wife Kate Upton. She has celebrated the brand's contribution to the newstands throughout this year.

Sports Illustrated released seven covers this year on the occasion of its 60 year anniversary. It also had a special alumnus cover that featured many of its cover models coming together in a grand appearance. Upton was one of the seven.

For its promotions, the 32-year-old appeared on the CBS Mornings show in May, to speak about what it meant for her to be part of the magazine. She emphasized how SI Swimsuit had driven home an inclusive agenda, bringing women from different spheres and parts of the world together.

"It is about taking our power back," Upton said. "It's about being confident in our body, no matter what you look like, and knowing that you deserve to be there, and your voice matters, and you can empower yourself by being confident. You can be everything. You can be smart, you can be beautiful, you can be confident."

Upton was shot into fame immediately after being adjudged as the Rookie of the Year by the magazine in 2011. Her other three solo cover appearances came in 2012, 2013 and 2017. She got married in 2017 to Justin Verlander and shares a daughter.

Kate Upton's 'full circle moment' with Sports Illustrated

Kate Upton was a teenager when SI decided to give her a shot in a coveted position. Speaking in a different interview with FOX News, the star spoke about getting the opportunity to get back to the cover in 2024.

"Sports Illustrated started my career," she said in August. "They put me on the cover when I was 19 years old. They gave me the platform to talk about big topics, like health … I’m still trying to figure out how to be in the spotlight. [But] it was such a huge honor for me to come back for their 60th. I’m at such a different place in my life now. I’m a mother, a wife … it’s a full circle moment."

Upton has since ventured into films and also co-owns the canned cocktail brand, Vosa Spirits.