McCaffrey: King of yards and NFL legend. Next historical record?

Christian McCaffrey: The Total Running Back Redefining the Game

In the Week 11 victory against the Arizona Cardinals, Christian McCaffrey, running back for the San Francisco 49ers, once again demonstrated his exceptional skill. With less than seven minutes remaining in the game, McCaffrey made a play that left everyone astonished: a 15-yard reception on a comeback route, outmaneuvering cornerback Max Melton. This play, in a third-and-15 situation, not only secured a crucial first down, but also set the stage for a touchdown that sealed the victory.

I don’t know any other quarterback who can do that. We have a unique one.

Brock Purdy

As the 49ers prepare to face the Carolina Panthers, McCaffrey’s former team, on Monday night, the running back continues to prove his worth. Through 11 weeks of the season, McCaffrey leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 1,439, is tied for second in total touchdowns with 11, and is the only player with at least 700 rushing yards and 700 receiving yards. At this rate, McCaffrey, who already holds the record for receptions in a season by a running back, will set the record for receiving yards in a season and has the opportunity to break the record for receiving touchdowns for the position. For McCaffrey, who is coming off a 2024 season marked by injuries and will turn 30 in June, this is another step on his path to becoming one of the most complete running backs in NFL history. McCaffrey’s path to greatness is rooted in the family ethic that how you do anything is how you do everything. Whether running the ball, receiving it, blocking, taking notes, or even stretching, McCaffrey is obsessed with being excellent in the multiple facets that his job entails.

For me, it’s always been about being a complete runner. It’s something my dad used to insist on since I was a kid, just being able to do anything and not being labeled as a runner, but being labeled as a football player.

Christian McCaffrey

Max McCaffrey, Christian’s older brother, quickly recognized his brother’s potential to make his mark in football. Max, who now works for the Miami Dolphins as an offensive assistant, remembers a youth football game in which Christian made an incredible play, demonstrating his athletic ability and his instinct for the game. According to those who witnessed Christian McCaffrey’s rise, his combination of athletic ability, football intelligence, and work ethic made his eventual success as a complete running back predictable. When Christian started playing football at age 7, he chose the running back position because youth football teams didn’t throw the ball much and he wanted to score touchdowns. Christian’s father, Ed McCaffrey, who had a successful NFL career, instilled in his sons the importance of dedication and attention to detail. Ed used to conduct training sessions for his sons, focusing on technique and physical preparation, and taught them that every aspect of the game mattered. The influence of figures like Brian Dawkins, who was a coach for Christian’s teams in high school, was also crucial. Dawkins emphasized the importance of preparation and intensity in the game, and encouraged McCaffrey to make the most of every training opportunity.

McCaffrey was also inspired by runners like Terrell Davis, Barry Sanders, Marshall Faulk, and LaDainian Tomlinson, who demonstrated the importance of versatility and receiving ability. Tomlinson, in particular, taught McCaffrey the importance of adapting and evolving to stay relevant in the game. McCaffrey’s versatility is key in the 49ers’ offense, where he has proven to be an exceptional runner, receiver, and blocker. Coach Kyle Shanahan has recognized McCaffrey’s ability to expand the offense, adding new routes and movements that make him almost impossible to stop. McCaffrey dedicates time to practicing receiver routes and studying defenders, which allows him to anticipate and react to plays with precision. The evolution of running backs like McCaffrey has surpassed that of linebackers, creating mismatches and challenges for defenses. The ability to be a three-down running back, that is, to be on the field in all game situations, is increasingly important for the longevity and success of running backs in the NFL. McCaffrey, aware of the value he brings, hopes the league will better recognize and value the running back position. As McCaffrey continues to set records and leave his mark on the game, he is aware of the impact he has on the next generation of runners.