San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is widely regarded as one of the best players in the NFL, having led the league in rushing yards in 2023 and played a key role in the team’s run to Super Bowl 59.
In February of this year’s Super Bowl, McCaffrey and the 49ers’ opening drive looked promising, but then their star running back committed a costly turnover just yards from the red zone.
More than three months after the Super Bowl, in which the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the 49ers in overtime to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the second consecutive year in franchise history, the fumble still weighs “heavy” on McCaffrey.
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Christian McCaffrey (number 23) of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl 55 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 11, 2024. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
49ers running backs coach Bobby Turner seems to understand that McCaffrey strives to play as close to perfection as possible whenever he steps on the football field, but the veteran coach also knows that mistakes can have long-term repercussions if they stick in the ball-carrier’s mind.
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“I talked to him when he came off the field, because I had to,” Turner told NBC Sports. “You have to put it behind you, but you have to take it personally because it means so much to him. It’s all about the ball. He’s carrying this whole organization, his family, my family. He’s carrying that ball. It’s a heavy thing.”
Christian McCaffrey (number 23) of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl 55 at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Turner added that ball safety is a topic that’s been a regular topic for the 49ers.
“I always talk about how heavy it is, how long it is, the nickname they gave it is ‘The Duke,'” Turner said. “You’re carrying the ‘Duke’ around.” [McCaffrey] He takes a lot of pride in that. Every time he touches the ball, he tries to protect it and unfortunately that’s what happened.”
Christian McCaffrey (number 23) of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl 55 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 11, 2024. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
McCaffrey has not yet participated in the Niners’ voluntary offseason program, but Turner is confident the three-time All-Pro will be ready when he arrives at the team’s facility.
Turner said McCaffrey’s passion for baseball was on full display in 2023, his first full season with the 49ers.
“He’s been here every day since day one last year, he’s been in my office all the time, we’ve been texting each other and talking,” Turner said.
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The 49ers open the 2024 regular season on Sept. 9 when Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets visit Santa Clara.
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