Monica Culpepper

Monica Frakes Culpepperhttps://web.archive.org/web/20171004035703/https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/former-tampa-bay-buccaneer-and-florida-gator-brad-culpepper-recalls-his/982125/ is a contestant from and .
In One World, Monica found herself on the outside of her tribe from Day 1 because of the Salani Alliance outnumbering her and the older women. However, her strength in challenges allowed her to evade elimination long enough to get to the Tribe Switch. After being switched to the Manono tribe, she aligned herself with Christina Cha and Colton Cumbie, but was blindsided by Colton because of her being a potential threat in his eyes.
Monica returned with her husband, Brad Culpepper, in Blood vs. Water, where she found herself in the majority Galang Alliance. After her husband was eliminated, Monica had a bumpy road with her other allies making fun of her behind her back, which drove her into a poor emotional state. She relied on her alliance with Gervase Peterson and Tyson Apostol, winning three individual immunities, and her own personal optimism to make it to the Final Tribal Council with Gervase and Tyson, where she lost to Tyson and only earned a single vote, finishing as the runner-up.
==Profile==
Retrieved from CBS.com
<tabber>One World=
Name (Age): Monica Culpepper (41)
Tribe Designation: 
Current Residence: Tampa, Fla.
Occupation: Ex-NFL Player's Wife
Personal Claim to Fame: Homecoming Queen at University of Florida in 1991, University of Florida Outstanding Female Leader Graduate in 1991, Graduated with Honors from University of Minnesota Physical Therapy School, Wife of University of Florida and nine year NFL Defensive Tackle, Brad Culpepper, and mother of three straight "A" students.
Inspiration in Life: My husband without a doubt! He is the hardest working person I know. He was not only an All-American Football player at University of Florida, an Academic All-American, a Southeastern Conference Hall of Famer, and Vice President of the UF student body, but also finished with a Masters degree. He won the prestigious Campbell Award, making him the number one scholar athlete in the nation. Then he went on to the NFL where he played for nine seasons with the Vikings, Buccaneers, and Bears. He was All-Madden and the NFL's Unsung Hero Award winner. While playing in the NFL, he earned his law degree in the "off- seasons." Now, he has his own law firm and truly is a role model and a coach to me and many kids in our community. Best part is… I helped build him!
Hobbies: Kickboxing, hiking, skeet shooting, riding four wheelers, snowboarding, wakeboarding, running, reading and volunteering in my community.
Pet Peeves: People who are two-faced, unappreciative and lazy. Also, messy cars!
3 Words to Describe You: Loyal, tenacious and gritty.
Survivor Contestant You Are Most Like: I can relate to Tina Wesson, the first female winner in 2001, because she was 40, had a career in the medical field and was happily married.
Reason for Being on Survivor: I gave up my medical school and career dreams when I met my husband in college and have devoted the rest of my time to my family as a mother and a supportive spouse. It is my time to "step out" and see what grit I am made of…I'm ready to show I'm a Survivor!
Why You Think You'll "Survive" Survivor: I am enthusiastic, pleasant to be around and a great motivator. I'm like a chameleon; I can get along with all kinds of people. Being great at multi-tasking, I am able to process and calculate clearly under stress.
Why You Think You Will Be the Sole Survivor: I'm never afraid to go out on a limb when it comes to getting something I want.http://web.archive.org/web/20230321164140/https://www.cbs.com/shows/survivor/cast/81095/
==Survivor==
===One World===
Monica was originally placed at the all-women Salani tribe and found herself immediately on the outs. Alicia Rosa created a five-person alliance with Sabrina Thompson, Kim Spradlin, Chelsea Meissner, and Kat Edorsson. Despite not being in the majority alliance, she was not targeted for elimination due to her strength needed for challenges, even with Salani's three-challenge losing streak. Monica remained safe for the next two cycles when Salani won their first Immunity Challenge, and after a controversial move by the enemy Manono tribe of going to Tribal Council after winning an Immunity Challenge.
Monica's fate took a turn for the worst after a Day 12 tribe switch, where she, along with Alicia and Christina Cha, were transferred to the new Manono tribe, who fared dismally in challenges against an athletic, new Salani tribe. Losing the next Immunity Challenge, Monica lobbied to vote out the oldest male on the tribe, Tarzan Smith, by commissioning Colton Cumbie, who bonded with the original Salani, to help her in her effort. Unknown to Monica, Colton and Alicia were plotting against her, and with the help of Colton's "misfit alliance", Monica and Christina were both shocked when Monica was blindsided in a 5-2 vote in an effort to rid the game of a potential threat as opposed to a weak link.
<tabber>Challenge History=
Episode 	TribeAffiliation 	Challenge 	Challenge Type 	Sit-Out? 	Result
1 	rowspan=7 	Free Fallin' 	Reward/Immunity 	No 	
2 	D.I.Y. Knots 	Reward 	No 	 	
2 	By the Numbers 	Immunity 	No 	 	
3 	Shut Your Trap 	Reward 	No 	 	
3 	Ow Pairs 	Immunity 	No 	 	
4 	Coco Connection 	Reward 	No 	 	
4 	Puzzle Relay 	Immunity 	No 	 	
colspan=6 	 	 	 	 	
5 	rowspan=2 	Dear Liza 	Reward 	No 	
5 	Basket Brawl 	Immunity 	No 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	
Notes: Salani received tribal immunity from Manono, who unanimously decided to send themselves to Tribal Council.	Notes: Salani received tribal immunity from Manono, who unanimously decided to send themselves to Tribal Council.	Notes: Salani received tribal immunity from Manono, who unanimously decided to send themselves to Tribal Council.	Notes: Salani received tribal immunity from Manono, who unanimously decided to send themselves to Tribal Council.	Notes: Salani received tribal immunity from Manono, who unanimously decided to send themselves to Tribal Council.	Notes: Salani received tribal immunity from Manono, who unanimously decided to send themselves to Tribal Council.
|-|Voting History=
Episode	Monica'sVotes	Voted AgainstMonica
1 	colspan="2" 	
2 	 	
3 	 	
4 	 	
5 	 	
 	 	
</tabber>
===Blood vs. Water===
Monica returned with her husband, former football player Brad Culpepper. However, the pair was not to play together. Monica was placed on the Galang tribe. In the first Impressions vote, Monica voted against Candice Cody for not knowing much against her. Candice was the first voted out and Rupert Boneham switched places with his wife, Laura Boneham. Galang would generally win challenges over Tadhana. However, all was not peaceful at Galang. Colton Cumbie was trying to create chaos to rule the game and Monica said she didn't know if she could trust him again after he blindsided her in their previous season. The tribe didn't play in to his attempts. This would lead him to quitting at the second duel. Candice told her husband, John Cody to give the clue to Monica. Brad urged Monica to burn the clue, which she obliged. At this point, Monica was in an alliance with Gervase Peterson, Tina Wesson, Aras Baskauskas, and Tyson Apostol. The tribe won the next challenge, but Brad was voted out. Tadhana won their first challenge, sending Galang to Tribal Council. Laura Boneham was the initial target as no one felt comfortable around her. However, Aras wanted to vote out Laura Morett instead knowing she could defeat Brad so Monica's loyalty would be to the alliance. When Laura Morett's name came out as being the one voted out, Monica was worried as she could beat Brad. Nonetheless, Monica joined in voting out Laura M. over Laura B.
Monica's fears was confirmed as Laura M. defeated Brad and he was eliminated. After Brad's elimination, there was a Tribe Switch. Monica stayed on Galang with Tina, Laura B., and Kat Edorsson. Tina's daughter, Katie Collins, and Aras' brother, Vytas Baskauskas came to Galang while Gervase, Aras, and Tyson gone to Tadhana. Galang lost both challenges. Kat was annoyed with Monica's strategizing and talked to Tina about getting her out. Tina alerted Monica and Kat gotten voted out over Vytas. After the second loss, Laura told Vytas that he was next to go. Shocked by her decision, the tribe voted out Laura B. for her unpredictably. After Tribal Council, Monica was told she was number five in the alliance. This worried her.
At the first re-entry duel, Laura M. returned to the game and burned the clue to the idol. After enjoying the merge feast, Aras decided to target Laura M. again. Meanwhile, Tyson offered Monica to join the Singles Alliance. At the Immunity Challenge, Monica was the first out. Vytas would defeat Aras for immunity. Aras wanted to split the votes between Laura and her daughter, Ciera Eastin. However, Monica would join in the blindside of Aras and he was next to go in a 7-2-2 vote. Monica would defeat Gervase at the next Immunity Challenge. Monica was still paranoid, despite the immunity win. Laura M. scolded Monica for being paranoid, telling her she had immunity and not to worry about being voted out. Monica was assigned with voting against Katie at the next Tribal Council. However, she voted against Vytas, viewing him responsible for Brad being voted out. Neither person had the idol and Vytas was voted out in a 8-1-1 vote. Katie would win the next challenge, however, complicating the next Tribal Council. Tina and Katie told Monica that she was the bottom of the alliance. Tina was voted out in a 7-1-1 without an idol to save her. 
Monica won the next Immunity Challenge over Tyson. She also gave up the feast that came with it to her tribe. Laura was unanimously voted out at the vote. Although Katie was the target, Hayden Moss and Caleb Bankston decided to make a move and take out Tyson. Monica outlasted Hayden for her third immunity in the season. Monica would become the swing vote between Ciera and Caleb. She stayed loyal to the alliance and Caleb was sent off to Redemption Island. After the vote, Hayden told everyone that Tyson was going to win the game unless voted out. At the next challenge, Gervase barely beat Monica for the immunity win. However, Gervase picked her and Tyson to join him in the reward. Hayden used this to convince Ciera that she was on the bottom and she flipped. At Tribal Council, Monica was the one getting the votes. The votes were tied, even after a deadlock. The decision went to a rock drawing ceremony. Due to the rules of the rock, Monica was safe. Katie was the one to pick the rock and was sent to Redemption Island. At the next Tribal Council, Monica once again became the swing vote between Gervase and Hayden. After a fierce Tribal Council, the returning players voted out Hayden as Ciera was immune. 
At the final duel, Tina returned into the game. The women started working on Monica to join them. Tyson won the Immunity Challenge. Monica became the swing vote again between the men and the women. After a discussion on who would be better vote out, it was decided it would be more strategic to vote out Ciera over Tina. At Tribal Council, Monica said that she was going to vote for her own game. Tyson gave Gervase the Idol, but it was not needed as Ciera was voted out 3-2. Tina was still working on Monica to force a tie. Tyson won the Final Immunity Challenge. The Men talked about how Monica could win, while Tina tried to force a wedge between herself and Gervase. However, at Tribal Council, Tina was unanimously voted out.
At Final Tribal Council, Monica stated in her statement that she did not have blood on her hands. The jury stated that they did not know her. When confronted by this Monica got emotional, especially with Hayden. In the end, Monica only received one jury vote from Vytas for being a strong woman. Tyson would win in a 7-1-0 vote.
<tabber>Challenge History=
Episode 	TribeAffiliation 	Challenge 	Challenge Type 	Sit-Out? 	Result
1 	rowspan=7 	Blue Lagoon Bustle 	Reward/Immunity 	No 	
2 	In the Barrel 	Reward/Immunity 	No 	 	
3 	 	Reward/Immunity 	Yes 	 	
4 	Boats, Brains & Brawn 	Reward/Immunity 	No 	 	
5 	Slide Show 	Reward/Immunity 	No 	 	
6 	Buoy Oh Buoy 	Reward/Immunity 	No 	 	
7 	Chain Reaction 	Reward/Immunity 	No 	 	
colspan=6 	 	 	 	 	
8 	rowspan=9 	Flashback 	Immunity 	 	
9 	Pesky Palate 	Immunity 	 	 	
9 	Balancing Point 	Immunity 	 	 	
10 	Back Splash 	Reward/Immunity 	 	 	
11 	Wrist Assured 	Immunity 	No 	 	
12 	Ram-Ball On 	Reward/Immunity 	 	 	
13 	Pulled Up 	Reward/Immunity 	 	 	
14 	A Bit Tipsy 	Immunity 	 	 	
14 	Rise to It 	Immunity 	 	 	
 	 	 	 	 	
Notes: Monica gave up her reward to the tribe. Gervase shared his reward with Monica.	Notes: Monica gave up her reward to the tribe. Gervase shared his reward with Monica.	Notes: Monica gave up her reward to the tribe. Gervase shared his reward with Monica.	Notes: Monica gave up her reward to the tribe. Gervase shared his reward with Monica.	Notes: Monica gave up her reward to the tribe. Gervase shared his reward with Monica.	Notes: Monica gave up her reward to the tribe. Gervase shared his reward with Monica.
|-|Voting History=
Episode 	Monica'sVotes	Voted AgainstMonica
1 	 	
1 	 	
2 	 	
3 	 	
4 	 	
5 	 	
6 	 	
7 	 	
8 	 	
9 	 	
9 	 	
10 	 	
11 	 	
12 	 	
13 	 	
14 	 	
14 	 	
Jury Votesfor Monica	colspan="2" 	
 	 	
 In , the vote ended with a 3-3 tie between Monica and Hayden, forcing a revote. Nobody changed their vote on the revote, forcing a rock drawing tiebreaker. Monica was immune from the tiebreaker.</tabber>
==Post-Survivor==
* Monica appeared as Brad's loved one in .
==Trivia==
* Monica and Brad Culpepper initially applied for The Amazing Race, but its casting producers suggested that they apply for instead. Monica explained that CBS was more interested with her than with her husband.
* Monica is the second wife of a former NFL player to be on Survivor, following Taj Johnson-George, who is married to former Tennessee Titans running back .
** Monica is the second person to be married to an NFL player before appearing on Survivor, following Taj. 
* Between and , Monica got a matching tattoo on the right side of her body to go with Brad Culpepper's right-arm tattoo.
** She is the only One World returnee to outlast their loved one in Blood vs. Water.
* Monica was the only woman to be voted out of the Manono tribe.
* Monica is the highest placing woman on Blood vs. Water.
* Monica is the only woman to reach the merge without her loved one in Blood vs. Water.
* Monica's 43rd birthday was on Day 27 of Blood vs. Water.
* Monica won the most individual Immunity Challenges in Blood vs. Water, with 3.
* Monica is currently tied with Kelley Wentworth and her husband Brad Culpepper for the greatest day count improvement of any first-time returning player, lasting 25 days longer in Blood vs. Water than she did in One World.
** She beat Michael Skupin's previous record of 22 days.
** The record for the most improvement in days lasted out by a returning player on their previous placement is held by fellow Blood vs. Water castaway Tina Wesson with 35 days, as Tina had been eliminated on Day 3 of and was eliminated on Day 38 of Blood vs. Water.
* Monica is the first contestant to be voted out pre-merge on their original season, then reach the Final Tribal Council in a subsequent season.
** Monica is the second contestant to be voted out before the jury phase on their original season and reach the Final Tribal Council in a subsequent season, after Rob Mariano.
** Michael Skupin was also eliminated pre-merge in and made it to the Final Tribal Council in ; however he was medically evacuated in The Australian Outback rather than voted out.
* Both Monica and Brad lasted 14 days on their first seasons, and became the runners-up on their second seasons. Therefore, both have played for 53 days during their Survivor career.
* Monica is the third contestant to return to a future season as a loved one, following Dale Wentworth and Val Collins.
==References==
Category:Contestants
Category:Female Contestants
Category:Contestants Appearing in Multiple Seasons
Category:One World Contestants
Category:Blood vs. Water Contestants
Category:Finalists
Category:Salani Tribe
Category:Galang Tribe
Category:Kasama Tribe
Category:14th Place
Category:2nd Place
Category:Survivor (U.S.)
Category:Survivor (U.S.) Contestants
Category:Survivor: One World
Category:Survivor: Blood vs. Water
Category:1970 births
Category:Living people