It’s a hand-in-glove fit for Christian McCaffrey.
His father, Ed, played for the 49ers under Mike Shanahan. His brother, Max, played for Kyle Shanahan in 2018. General manager John Lynch recalled Friday how — when he was still a quarterback at Stanford — he used to throw the ball to “Eddy” and go to frat parties with him and his wife.
McCaffrey was welcomed into the building by his fellow Stanford alum and brought a buzz to the locker room.
“It’s special,” McCaffrey told reporters.
He provides a versatile threat the 49ers haven’t had at running back since Roger Craig. Craig and McCaffrey are just two of three players — Marshall Faulk is the third — to rush and receiver for 1,000 yards each in the same season.
Just about every player who is traded to a competitive team will express excitement.
But the history, background and sincerity in McCaffrey’s voice belied an earnest appreciation for his new team.
He described the 49ers as having the “best run game” and “one of the most explosive offenses” in the league, saying he’s followed them for a long time.
The decision on whether McCaffrey will play, or how much he’ll play, lies with Shanahan. But John Lynch said McCaffrey has already asked to play.
For his part, the 26-year-old former All-Pro raved about Shanahan, who may or may not have been his babysitter. At least, he might have filled in for his Krystal — Kyle Shanahan’s sister — who was Christian McCaffrey’s babysitter from time to time.
The stories McCaffrey said he’s heard are legendary.
“I don’t know if there’s anyone better at putting guys in positions to have success and tailor to what they’re good at,” McCaffrey said. “I’ve watched him do some unbelievable things with some great running backs and even the running backs in the room right now. I’m just excited to learn from them and to hear how coach Shanahan coaches not just the running back position, but every single position on the field… You just hear legends about how good of an offensive mind he is and so to be here is exciting.”
The return to the Bay and to a historic franchise with multiple family ties clearly resonated with McCaffrey.
While he acknowledged his focus is trying to get up to speed on the playbook as fast as humanly possible, he’s appreciating the moment.
“It’s special. You try to stay as businesslike as you can and one step at a time, but it is special,” McCaffrey said. “Even just being back in the Bay Area where I’ve had so many great memories going back to Stanford, having friends who are still here and knowing a lot of the guys in the locker room already. It all comes full circle and it’s it’s special and I’m lucky and proud to be here.”
There’s some question as to whether he suits up on Sunday, with some suggestions that he might be used in a red zone package exclusively. But what’s clear is that, price tag aside, all parties involved are thrilled for McCaffrey to be in Santa Clara.
