Christian McCaffrey: The Total Running Back Redefining the Position
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 the score in their favor and less than seven minutes on the clock, McCaffrey made a play that left everyone amazed: a 15-yard reception on a comeback route, beating cornerback Max Melton. This play, which culminated in a touchdown, is just a sample of McCaffrey’s versatility and impact on the game.
I don’t know any other quarterback who can do that. We have a unique one.
Brock Purdy
With eleven games played in his ninth season, McCaffrey continues to prove Purdy right. The 49ers running back is preparing to face his former team, the Carolina Panthers, in a season where he is demonstrating his maximum potential. His ability to run routes and his ability to catch the ball make him almost unstoppable.
In the 2025 season so far, McCaffrey leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage (1,439), is tied for second in total touchdowns (11), and is the only player with at least 700 rushing yards and 700 receiving yards. In addition, he has surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage nine times.
If he keeps up this pace, McCaffrey, who already holds the record for receptions in a season for a running back (116 in 2019), could set a new record for receiving yards in a season and could break the record for receiving touchdowns for his 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. This season, he became the fourth player in league history to accumulate at least 7,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards in his career.
The McCaffrey family’s philosophy, based on dedication and hard work, has been fundamental to their success. Christian is obsessed with being excellent in all facets of his work, from running the ball to catching it, blocking, and studying the game.
For me, it’s always been about being a complete back… being able to do anything and not be labeled as a runner, but as a football player.
Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey’s older brother, Max, recognized Christian’s potential early on. In a youth football game, Christian scored a touchdown after a punt, a play that Max remembers as extraordinary.
The combination of athletic ability, football intelligence, and work ethic of Christian predestined his success. His father, Ed McCaffrey, instilled in his children the importance of dedication and detail in every aspect of the game.
Ed McCaffrey used to coach his sons, emphasizing the importance of each movement and the need for perfection. Christian, for example, focused on route running technique, seeking to eliminate unnecessary movements.
This mindset was consolidated in high school, where Christian saw each practice as an opportunity for improvement. In addition, he had the opportunity to learn from figures like Brian Dawkins, a Hall of Fame member, who was a defensive coach at his school.
Dawkins noted McCaffrey’s obsession with excellence. McCaffrey was inspired by players like Terrell Davis, Barry Sanders, Marshall Faulk, and LaDainian Tomlinson, who demonstrated how running backs could impact the game in multiple ways.
Tomlinson, who was also a prominent receiver, highlighted the importance of versatility in the running back position. McCaffrey has embraced this mentality, which has allowed him to be a key player in the 49ers’ offense.
In training, McCaffrey constantly works on his physique and on perfecting his technique. Coach Kyle Shanahan has described McCaffrey as a “psychopath” in a good way, highlighting his tireless dedication.
Since he arrived at the 49ers, McCaffrey has expanded his repertoire of moves and routes, adapting to the team’s needs. He has worked on receiver routes during the offseason and on running back drills during the season, which has allowed him to be a complete player.
McCaffrey is a constant student of the game, taking detailed notes on route concepts and opposing defenders. His versatility and ability to adapt to different situations have made him a valuable player for the 49ers.This versatility is a growing trend in the NFL, with players like Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, De’Von Achane, and Jahmyr Gibbs emerging as complete running backs. McCaffrey is aware of the importance of versatility for running backs and the impact they can have on the game. His goal is to continue setting a standard for future generations of running backs.
McCaffrey is three receiving touchdowns away from surpassing Faulk (36) and setting a new record for a running back since the 1970 merger.
