Christian McCaffrey reflects on ‘long journey’ back to football after 2024 season debut

Nov 12, 2024, 6:00 AM

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 10: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The NFL is built on star players performing at the peak of their powers for long stretches of the year. But for Christian McCaffrey, his return to football was just about playing the game he loves again.

That was the sentiment echoed by the San Francisco 49ers running back follows this 2024 season debut Sunday in Tampa Bay. After suffering an achilles issue early in training camp, McCaffrey was shutdowns for the entire preseason. Then, he suffered a setback on gameday Week 1. And then, his biggest stumbling block of all the following Thursday, shutting him down for the past two months.

Now at full strength, the man called “Run CMC” was finally able to do that on the gridiron once more.

“I’m just happy I’m here,” Christian McCaffrey said following Week 10’s win. “That was a long journey and a lot of long days, so it feels good to win and it feels good to just play in a football game again.”

CMC shares a humble yet encouraging assessment of his first game back 👏 pic.twitter.com/R0fbnpomVN

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) November 10, 2024

CMC was more than just back however, reprising his role as workhorse under coach Kyle Shanahan.

McCaffrey saw the lion share of the snaps out of that backfield Week 10. Not to mention his duties as a receiver as well. He would finish his season debut with 19 total touches for 107 scrimmage yards, including a massive 30-yard reception, catching a moonball from quarterback Brock Purdy along the right sideline.

The Colorado native had an impact on the game early and often. But in typical CMC fashion, he wasn’t completely satisfied, already focused on ways to improve for next week.

“I think when I go back and look at the tape, I’m sure there’s going to be some stuff that just getting back into a feel of real game, that’s the third time I’ve had pads on in eight weeks,” he explained. “So just getting back into a groove, that was really good for me to do. I think there’s a couple things that maybe I didn’t feel like myself 100%, but that’s normal when you haven’t played in a long time.”

49ers RB snap splits

McCaffrey: 56
Mason: 3
Guerendo: 3

— Steph Sanchez (@Steph49K) November 11, 2024

That stuff is his general nitpicking after every single contest, never complacent with his performances. What really matters to him is team success, elated to see his 49ers back above .500 on the year.

But, Christian McCaffrey also has a human element to him as well.

Many fans and pundits alike love to joke about the reigning offensive player of the year’s robotic approach to the sport. The player’s demeanor is always stoic, his routines always perfectly aligned, his preparation always at 100%, even in practice.

And yet, those aren’t the toughest challenges to overcome on a daily basis.

What was his most enduring test was the past few months; Having to slowly work his way back into shape as both Achilles flared on separate occasions. The physical pain turned to mental and emotional anguish for CMC. He wasn’t able to be out there with his brothers, especially after what they had gone through together only six months prior in Super Bowl LVIII.

Those were the most daunting moments for Christian McCaffrey. Which is why he let the emotions of Week 10 come to him in shades, always trying to use that as motivation on the field.

“I try to feel emotions as they come, I don’t really plan anything,” he said. “I have my routine. It’s all about my body and just making sure the warm-ups on point. And then, if excitement comes, be excited. But I try to stay even-keeled.”

It’s CMC. That’s the tweet.

📺 #SFvsTB on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4nCVJ pic.twitter.com/8rFg7KSLcO

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 10, 2024

Now looking to put his nagging Achilles issues in the rearview mirror, the offensive weapon is needed for the 49ers to have sustained success heading into 2025. Without Christian McCaffrey, the Red & Gold just aren’t the same team.

The Stanford alum is aware of that internally, as the rest of the roster is externally. facing an uphill climb in the NFC West, it’s all has on deck down the stretch in the 49ers want any shot at making the Super Bowl again.

But at least until practice begins Wednesday, CMC is embracing the moment.

“Nobody wants to be on the field more than me,” McCaffrey stated. “Just to be out there again, to be honest with you, you really realize how much of a privilege it is to play football.”