NFL Star McCaffrey Credits Credits Multi-Sport Youth For His Verstaility On The Gridiron

When it comes to NFL players, few are as versatile on the field as San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Last season, he led the league in all-purpose yards with 2,023. 

McCaffrey gained an NFL-high 1,459 rushing yards to go with 564 in receiving yards. He was also first in the league with 339 touches and a combined 21 rushing and receiving yards. McCaffrey was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year and earned a nod as an All-Pro selection.

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It’s the second time during his career that this double threat was the top all-around gainer in the NFL. With the Carolina Panthers in 2019, McCaffrey would finish the season with all-purpose yardage totaling 2,392. He would go over the 1,000-yard plateau in both rushing (1,387) and receiving yardage (1,005). As well, his 403 touches and 19 rushing and receiving TDs were NFL bests that season, garnering the Stanford grad another All-Pro selection.

McCaffrey's father Ed was also an NFL player. However, Christian wasn’t funneled into specializing in football even though it was his dad’s profession. In fact, he credits his versatility on the gridiron to a youth that was spent living a multi-sport existence.

“I played three or four sports as a kid,” McCaffrey explained. “When I was in elementary school, I never had an offseason to train. I was always in season. And I think playing multiple sports was the best thing I’ve ever done.”

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