Christian McCaffrey, the standout running back for the San Francisco 49ers, isn’t letting a minor calf injury slow him down – at least not mentally. Although he’s out with a minor injury, McCaffrey is undoubtedly doing everything in his power to get back on the field as soon as possible.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan admires running back Christian McCaffrey’s dedication in the NFL. He knows and admires the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year’s hard work ethic.

Speaking to the media after the 49ers’ practice on Tuesday, the coach highlighted McCaffrey’s focus with a humorous contrast. Shanahan believes Christian McCaffrey may have had other Xs and Os in mind when he tied the knot with now-wife Olivia Culpo.

Kyle said, “When you’re injured, you can’t walk. But when you do every rep, every pass, everything you do, you’re really purposeful. Nothing against Olivia, but he’s probably going to be thinking about his feet and his walkways when he walks down the aisle to get married. He’s obsessed with it.”

The 49ers head coach recalled the couple’s beautiful wedding in June while praising the 28-year-old running back’s passion for football. Kyle continued, “So when you get in those situations where you’re injured and you can’t do all those things, at least he’s done that before. So that stuff comes back quick. He knows what it takes to play this game, especially at his level.”

Additionally, Shannon stated that he believes McCaffrey will return soon, as he recognized what sets McCaffrey’s preparation apart from the rest of the NFL. “He knows what it takes to play in this game, especially at his level. Not many people play at this level unless they are like that.” Shanahan expressed his admiration for McCaffrey’s work and dedication.

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Shanahan’s joking quip didn’t seem too far-fetched, especially considering the number of 49ers players in attendance at the wedding, including the ever-energetic George Kittle. The idea that McCaffrey was doing mental exercises during the ceremony is not only funny, but also entirely plausible. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year married Culpo in June of this year at Watch Hill Chapel in Westerly.

However, Shanahan’s words reveal a deeper truth about McCaffrey’s work ethic. The coach said McCaffrey’s meticulous preparation sets him apart from the rest. Even when an injury keeps him off the field, the prep work he does ensures he recovers quickly.

McCaffrey played the first five and a half seasons of his NFL career with the Panthers before joining the 49ers in 2022. The three-time Pro Bowler is in his second full season in San Francisco.

He finished the 2023 season with 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, making him the league’s leading runner. It’s no surprise that despite the setback, his teammates and coaches are confident he’ll be back on the winning track soon.

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