Best of the Bus: Christian McCaffrey Talks 49ers Trade, NFC Title Game & Life with an NFL Dad

Summary

Podcast Summary: Bussin' With The Boys – "Best of the Bus: Christian McCaffrey Talks 49ers Trade, NFC Title Game & Life with an NFL Dad"

Release Date: July 12, 2025
Host: Bussin' with the Boys (Will Compton & Taylor Lewan)
Guest: Christian McCaffrey

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1. Introduction

In the "Best of the Bus" episode of Bussin' With The Boys, hosts Will Compton and Taylor Lewan revisit a memorable interview with NFL star Christian McCaffrey. Recorded during Super Bowl 57, the episode delves into Christian's journey from the Carolina Panthers to the San Francisco 49ers, his perspectives on the NFC Championship game, and the profound influence of his NFL father, Ed McCaffrey.

2. The Trade from Carolina Panthers to San Francisco 49ers

Emotional Rollercoaster of Being Traded

Christian opens up about the unexpected nature of his trade, sharing his initial disbelief and mixed emotions. At [05:05], he recounts, "I never thought I'd get traded. I thought I was a Panther forever. I bought a house there. This is home." The uncertainty began early in the season with rumors and the firing of Coach Rule, which Christian subconsciously prepared for by mentally gearing up to join the 49ers.

Process and Immediate Transition

The suddenness of the trade is vividly described around [06:02]: "Thursday night, 11:30 pm, you get traded, 7 am you're on a flight, didn't say bye to one person. Practice with the Niners Friday, try to scramble together...". Christian emphasizes the whirlwind nature of the transition, moving from practice to playing against his former team without much time to process the change.

Initial Reactions and Adaptation

At [07:32], Christian discusses how the potential trade affected his focus during the season. He admits to blocking out the trade thoughts for the first few weeks but ultimately accepted the reality, stating, "I wanted to play in every game this year. That was a big deal to me." His immediate adaptation to the 49ers' environment is highlighted at [11:44], praising the seamless welcome from teammates like George Kittle and the supportive locker room culture.

3. Reflections on the NFC Championship Game

Heartbreak and "What Ifs"

Christian expresses deep remorse over missing out on the Super Bowl, particularly reflecting on the NFC Championship loss (around [18:19]). He shares his frustrations with the decision-making during the game, especially regarding quarterback injuries and play-calling shortcomings. "It hurts, man. It hurts." ([18:19])

Speculation on Alternative Outcomes

He entertains hypothetical scenarios where he or teammate Kyle Shanahan could have stepped in as quarterback, potentially altering the game's outcome. At [25:50], Christian muses, "If we got beat, I'd be like, you know what, man?". This segment underscores his competitive nature and desire to see his team succeed despite setbacks.

4. Life with an NFL Dad: Ed McCaffrey's Influence

Early Rigorous Training and Discipline

Christian delves into his childhood, highlighting the strict training regimens imposed by his father, Ed McCaffrey ([40:24]). From taping jerseys and enforcing early bedtimes to administering saline IVs for cramps during games, Ed's disciplined approach instilled a strong work ethic in Christian. "We were never spoiled. It was hard at times, but we had so much fun." ([42:22])

Emotional and Mental Preparation

Beyond physical training, Ed emphasized emotional resilience and handling pressure. Christian reflects, "How to handle your emotions when things happen. Because we were always really competitive." ([40:57])

Balancing Personal Life and Football

Christian shares anecdotes about balancing rigorous training with personal life, such as adhering to strict dietary rules and managing social activities, ensuring his focus remained on football.

5. Personal Anecdotes and Lighthearted Moments

Meeting Tim McGraw's Daughter

At [19:29], Christian recounts a humorous incident at a dinner with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's daughter, where a funny mishap involving a fork led to laughter and eased the tension. "We started, and he started laughing, too, which was good."

Training Camp Stories and Collegiate Memories

Christian shares amusing stories from his college days at Stanford and high school, including interactions with notable players and the challenges of standout athletes. He recalls a memorable high knees video from training camp ([37:24]) and the competitive environment that fueled his drive to excel.

6. Team Dynamics and Free Agency Insights

Locker Room Culture at the 49ers

Christian praises the 49ers' locker room, highlighting the camaraderie and elite talent, which facilitated his smooth transition ([12:33]). He specifically mentions leaders like Kyle Shanahan and George Kittle, emphasizing their support and the family's close-knit bonds within the team.

Defense and Free Agency

Discussion around [33:35] touches on the team's defense strength, particularly Trent Williams, and the challenges of finding quality offensive linemen. Christian expresses admiration for Williams' dedication and physical prowess, stating, "He's the freakiest player I've ever seen in my life in person."

7. Future Outlook and Personal Growth

Hope for Continued Success with the 49ers

Christian remains optimistic about the 49ers' trajectory, acknowledging past challenges and expressing confidence in the team's ability to make impactful adjustments. "Our second half adjustments on defense... that’s where we thrived." ([33:10])

Balancing Professional and Personal Aspirations

Towards the end of the podcast, Christian reflects on his aspirations beyond football, pondering the type of father he aims to be and the legacy he wishes to leave for his future children. "Maybe my kid will do music or something and maybe teach me some stuff about." ([59:00])

8. Notable Quotes

• "I never thought I'd get traded. I thought I was a Panther forever. I bought a house there. This is home." ([05:05])
• "Locker room with the boys. And so for me, it's like, oh, my God. That's like, I'm sitting in the car in the off-season, throwing on a pod as I'm in the locker room." ([03:24])
• "It hurts, man. It hurts." ([18:19])
• "We were never spoiled. It was hard at times, but we had so much fun." ([42:22])
• "He's the freakiest player I've ever seen in my life in person." ([35:36])

9. Conclusion

This episode of Bussin' With The Boys offers an intimate glimpse into Christian McCaffrey's professional journey and personal life. From navigating the complexities of mid-season trades to reflecting on formative years under the mentorship of his NFL father, Christian's candid storytelling provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that shape an elite athlete. The blend of emotional depth and lighthearted anecdotes ensures an engaging experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Transcript

[Will Compton]

Fellas, thank you for tuning in to our Best of the Bus series, where we drop a Best of the Bus or a best of episode every Saturday, where we throw it back to an old fun interview that we had just to throw it at the top of our. At the top of our Rolodex here on Spotify, Apple, Google, Play, wherever. You're getting your audio podcast right now. And today we're throwing it back to when Christian McCaffrey joined the boys at Super Bowl 57. He talks about becoming a fan of the podcast, the trade from the Panthers to the Niners and what went down in the NFC championship game that year. We also get into his childhood with the. With him having an NFL dad, Ed McCaffrey.

[Taylor Lewan]

Shout out.

[Will Compton]

Shout out, Ed McCaffrey, dude. And the wild stuff he made him do. There's an IV story in there that's.

[Christian McCaffrey]

A lot of fun.

[Will Compton]

What his dad did not allow on the football field at a young age. This was a fun one, boys. Enjoy it. Big hugs, tiny kisses.

[Unknown Host]

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another episode of Busting with the Boys.

[Taylor Lewan]

The great White Hope.

[Unknown Host]

The great white hope has arrived. When Christian. We're at the content house in Arizona. Christian walks down the stairs. Dude. And the first thing he hears is Bert Kreischer asking who Shane would rather me or you. And Shane said, you and I. That hurt.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, I saw it. I saw it.

[Unknown Host]

You saw the hurt on my face?

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, yeah.

[Unknown Host]

What did. What was your, like, first impression of.

[Christian McCaffrey]

That dramatic entrance to walk into. I was hurt for you.

[Unknown Host]

That. Thank you.

[Christian McCaffrey]

But definitely wasn't. Wasn't too shocked. I'm a fan of both those guys, so I figured something like that would be. Would happen.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Noral conversation.

[Unknown Host]

Normal conversation. And then when we finished, you were all about, what's up?

[Taylor Lewan]

I was gonna say the. Would say your thing when we.

[Unknown Host]

When we finish the episode. Like, you're a big Shane Gillis fan, huh?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Huge. Huge. I've seen the Austin stand up, like, 15 times.

[Unknown Host]

Dude, it is so funny.

[Christian McCaffrey]

It gets funnier the more you watch it. Keep catching on to something, something you.

[Unknown Host]

Didn'T know he is. It's the awkward. It's the awkward. Like, shoulder shrug.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Alabama the best.

[Unknown Host]

Some tough, hard nose. Run it down your throat.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yards in a cloud of dust.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Dude, he's so funny. You played football, huh? He played football.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Did he really?

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, at some, like, naval Academy, Right?

[Taylor Lewan]

West Point.

[Unknown Host]

West Point quit. He did it.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

For like, three weeks. He's like this. I can't. I can't do this anymore. Dude, yeah, yeah, yeah. Dude, he is. He's fucking awesome. It's always. It's always great having them on, man.

[Taylor Lewan]

But thanks for coming on, though, bro. Like, I feel like we've been connected for a little bit because, like, we've seen you rock the merch. We've started following each other, and I'm just thinking, yo, the fucking. The boy.

[Unknown Host]

So great white hope. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

What he's following, like, that's fucking sick.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

How'd you get onto the. How'd you get on the bus?

[Christian McCaffrey]

I'm a fan of the POD for a lot of reasons. Some of the guys in the locker room. You guys haven't talked about pod in the locker room, but right now I'm.

[Taylor Lewan]

Trying to play cool.

[Christian McCaffrey]

No, but I'm a fan of the POD for a lot of reasons. I think there's not a lot of. You know, when people think of NFL players, it's always, you know, this stardom individual. You know, it gets a lot of individual attention, not kind of understanding the dynamic of the locker room. And you have two guys who are on different spectrums and different journeys of a football team who came together in a pod. And a lot of your guys's podcasts are just. It's the locker room. And so for me, it's like, oh, my God. That's like. I'm sitting in the car in the off season, throwing on a pod as I'm in the locker room. Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Locker room with the boys.

[Christian McCaffrey]

And so I feel like a lot of other people, they. They're. You know, I don't know if they know that, but subconsciously, they're like, damn, that's probably what goes on in the locker room. Yeah, I'm a fan. I really am a fan. I like the pot a lot.

[Unknown Host]

Dude, I'm so happy you said that, because that's literally, like, our whole goal is like, everyone who you. When you're playing in the league, like, when you first get in the league, there's those year 10 guys, and they, like, leave, and they come back, and you always ask them, like, hey, what do you miss? And everybody says there's a couple of answers, but everyone always says they miss the boys. They miss the locker room. And, like, as you get older, you kind of fear that. So when Will and I started this, like, that we wanted that to be the vibe. We wanted to be the vibe where people are sitting down. We're asking the same dumb questions. Kobe or LeBron or Michael. We're asking for the first time he jerked off like, just crazy, like, conversations.

[Taylor Lewan]

About the LeBron question.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, but, you know, that's always a question. It's always a question was the first thing that came to my head. It's a popular question. I don't think we have talked about that, but it is like, it's awesome, dude. And that's great to know that, like, the 49ers seem like they roll with the boys.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Oh, it's the best. It's such a good locker room.

[Unknown Host]

Was Kiddo. Did Kittle kind of steam head that?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, I would say so. You know, for, for me personally, I came in in the middle of the year not knowing what was going on. You know, I didn't know I knew people, but didn't know people, which was a weird experience. But you can just tell. I think there was 22 guys from the super bowl team a few years ago who are still on the team. So they, they'd set a culture and a standard that had been there for a while. And, you know, I was just pumped up to join them.

[Taylor Lewan]

What was it like getting traded?

[Christian McCaffrey]

It was wild.

[Taylor Lewan]

You're the friend. You're like the face of the Panthers, like, the fucking guy.

[Unknown Host]

When we would play you guys, they'd be like, if you stop this guy, we have a chance to win.

[Taylor Lewan]

He's going to touch the ball like three times a game. First overall draft pick for me. Fantasy football.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Thank you for holding.

[Taylor Lewan]

True. I was like, okay. He's had a couple entry bug, couple years. This is. He's gonna get it right this year.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Appreciate it.

[Taylor Lewan]

Take us through that trade, bro, because that's, I mean, that was a massive headline.

[Christian McCaffrey]

It was, it was an, you know, you hear about it, but you never, I don't know. I, I, for me, I never thought I'd get trade. I thought I was a Panther forever. I'm like, I bought a house there. This is home. And I'd heard the rumors in the off season, so I, you know, obviously I, I called the gm. I'm like, hey, man, just, you know, I just need to hear it from you. Any, any truth. And he, he was super honest. He's like, look, absolutely not. We don't want to do this, you know, but we'll listen to everything and that' that's fair. I'm like, sounds good. Just let me know. But I went into the season, man, I'm like, look, I'm all in. It is what it is. I legitimately forgot about that. Thinking I'm on the team, I play in. I think it was four or Five games. And the rumors had continued to gone and Coach Rule got fired. We had lost a few games in a row, and I figured, like, if this was going to happen, this is how it happens.

[Taylor Lewan]

So you were anticipating it a little bit.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I didn't, maybe subconsciously, but I never. I never addressed it, you know, openly. And so we played la. We played the Rams. It was the first game with Coach Wilkes, and we lost. I had a pretty good game, though. And I just remember my agent saying it could happen this week, but I don't think so. And so early in the week, it was, you know, I don't think this is happening. And then the week kept going and going and there was more of a chance. And I was just like, look, if it's going to happen, make it happen. I was preparing for Tampa. So for, you know, anyone who doesn't know what it's like to get traded in the middle of a week, you know, I'm in practice and meetings. Wednesday, treatment, practice and meetings Thursday, treatment. 11:30pm I get a call trading you to the niners, yada, yada, 7am Flight didn't say bye to one person. Practice with the Niners Friday, try to scramble together, you know, a few plays in a little package. Go play the Chiefs on Sunday for the Niners. And then from. From there, you. You just roll.

[Unknown Host]

So you. When. When you call the gm, you obviously there's a bit of an anxiety. And then when you, after you play the Rams, your agent's like, hey, probably won't happen, but it could happen this week. How does that, like, affect you during the season leading up to that point? Because obviously everyone's always all in. Like, the guys who really care about football, they're going to be all in for their team, but is there's going to be some sort of level of. You got to feel some sort of way knowing there's a possibility that this team, whether you feel like they're giving up on you or they want to move on for whatever reason, like, what was your thought process like up until getting traded?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, I mean, it's. I think I. I legitimately blocked it out for the first four weeks. And then like, like you said, like that week where it was like, hey, this could happen. I mean, it's all I thought about, you know, it's like it was completely in the back of my head, like, consuming the unknown. Yeah, it consumes you, but you have to do your best. I was, you know, prepping for Tampa, so I just started, you know, doing all that and Just getting ready to go. And I figured, hey, don't change a thing, because regardless, you're going to be on a team, whether it's, you know, you get traded Tuesday or whether you get traded Thursday, whatever it is. I just didn't want to prolong it. I wanted to play in every game this year. That was a, you know, big deal to me, to be able to suit up and play in every game. And so I just wanted it to happen sooner than later. But, no, it definitely consumes you. I mean, it's in the back of your head. Even in practice, I'm like, dude, just don't do anything stupid. Like, who knows what's going to happen? Like, I was warming up for like an hour just to make sure I'm, you know, checking the box. So, yeah, it definitely consumes you a little.

[Unknown Host]

And you go ahead.

[Taylor Lewan]

I was gonna say, is your initial reaction when you got traded, is it pissed off?

[Christian McCaffrey]

It's so weird. The weird. It's a weird deal because there's so many emotions. And the first emotions probably anger. Like, man, you guys don't want me anymore. Like, that's really what it is. You know, you can call it what it is. Well, they got a lot for you. It's like, nah, like, you're. You think you're better off without me. That's what it is. And so you get that. So it's, you know, you're pissed off, but then you're excited, but then you're, you know, you got two days. So I just think there's so many emotions that get flooded at you at once that you're not really able to address. Cause they give you the playbook as soon as you get there, and you're like, shit, man, that's, you know, I gotta get going. So you can't even address it. And I don't even know if I've completely decompressed yet with the whole thing.

[Taylor Lewan]

But it's like a big breakup and you don't get any chance after.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, they break up into a next relationship.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, immediately.

[Unknown Host]

Immediately. Not even, like, the courting process of the other relationship. I'm healthy to leave this one. I go, this one.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Your ex picks your next chick.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, hey, we're done. But she's gonna be great. She's gonna be fantastic.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I hope she's good. And she was.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, she was. There had to be a little bit of, like, Carolina was going down the dumps pretty fast. And then you get traded to the 49ers.

[Taylor Lewan]

Like, hey, you're pissed at first. And you're like, well, I'm going to.

[Unknown Host]

A good ball club here and a.

[Taylor Lewan]

Family that obviously is you.

[Unknown Host]

What though?

[Christian McCaffrey]

And, and I, this is dead honest truth, I legitimately thought we could still win because we had a really hard first part of the schedule. And so there was a few games in there where we're like, oh, God, like, you hope you win these games and you, you want to win these games, but you got a new quarterback, you got a new offense. There's gonna, it's gonna come with some growing pains. Our coordinator just got there. Our quarterback got there in training camp. Like, I, I, I really believe we could still win. So in the back of my head, I'm like, you know, we could be one of those Miami teams who wins nine straight later in the year. A couple years ago, I, I, in my head believed that. And, and they ended up doing, you know, kind of making a little bit.

[Unknown Host]

I mean, they got the mix for sure.

[Christian McCaffrey]

So I, I, you know, you, any way you could get into the playoffs, it doesn't really matter as long as you get in. And so I thought we could. And so that, that didn't help. I wasn't like, oh, hell yeah, I'm out like that. That, that wasn't my mentality after I got traded. I love Charlotte, man, and I was a captain on that team. I love those guys. And so, you know, it came with a lot of mixed emotions.

[Unknown Host]

So Thursday night, 11:30 at night, you get traded, 7am you're on a flight, and then you have to play a game in 48 hours, essentially. Like, what was when you talked to Shanahan and the boys, like, were you like, hey, we need these 10 plays out of you during the game? Because it was, it was a big surprise to everybody when you stepped on the field that, that Sunday.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, I, at first, I didn't know if I was going to play. I don't think they knew if I was going to play. And then I think I got there and, and if you know how Shanahan's a W man, he, I think he started to put together a little bit of a red zone package and maybe something like 10 plays here where he's like, you know, maybe we can use him in a couple different ways and teach him some base runs, get him some touches. And so I had, I was ready for 10 to 12 plays. I ended up playing in, like, 20. And poor Jimmy, like, he called like, eight plays. I've never heard. I know. I couldn't tell you what one thing meant in the play, like, Jimmy, I'm sorry, but you got to tell me what to do. Jimmy, you know, obviously told me what to do. But yeah, it was. It was a different game week experience. I could say that.

[Taylor Lewan]

How was your. How was your transition going to San Fran?

[Christian McCaffrey]

It was great, man. It was great. I mean, that's as seamless of a transition as I could have imagined from the coaches helping me out, learning the plays, quick to shit. Brock Purdy was walking through with me on the turf field, you know, after hours just to try to, you know, get some reps in so I could hear the plays. Kittle and all the leaders on the team. I mean, you're playing with guys that are elite at what they do. It's an elite bunch all over the locker room. And so from them welcome me in, man. They felt like family right away. I was so thankful, you know, because you never know how that's gonna go. It could be some resentment or some like, who the hell's a new guy? And right. No, they welcomed me in with open arms. Everyone was so great and clicked those boys right away.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. When you first got to San Fran, like, who did you gravitate towards early like. Or who, I guess who opened the doors to like a little bit of a friendship early like.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Boys, Kiddo was amazing, man. He. He called me when I got traded. The gm, the Panthers called me, told me getting traded. John lynch called me and then Kittle called me.

[Unknown Host]

Did you know Kittle before I'd known.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Kittle, I've, you know, hung out with him for a while, you know, seen him at different events here and there. So he was like the third call. And man, that meant a lot to me. Obviously he's a leader on that team. And then sharing the running back room with Kyle, juice check was great. And that whole running back room was awesome, man. It's a good room. And Elijah Mitchell and just being able to learn from him and just no egos. No, you know, it was a. It was a seamless transition. But, you know, saw like Trent Williams in the locker room. Monster Mon. And Fred Warner's a beast, you know, Debo, I. You. All those guys, bro, they are sad. They're so close, man. Like, you can tell they've been through some shit together.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

You know what I mean? So when I stepped in there, I'm like, look, I just. Just do your job. You don't got to do anything else, but just do your job.

[Taylor Lewan]

Knowing that the Panthers were your first. Was your first organization going to the. To San Francisco and seeing how that organization was ran, was it eye opening between the two different organizations? Like, I know for me, when I went from Washington to Tennessee, you saw right away, like, how differently the Titans would run stuff compared to. Compared to Washington. And then same when I went to the Raiders and everything else. Was it similar at all going from Carolina to San Francisco?

[Christian McCaffrey]

No, it was pretty different in a lot of ways. Not even good or bad, but you just. You get in a routine in one team with your practice schedule, with when you get treatment, with when they practice, when they lift, et cetera. So all that was different. So I had to kind of adjust mid season, all of that stuff. So as far as the scheduling went, it was much different. The playbook, obviously, was much different. Completely new terminology and. But I think for me, I adapted pretty quick. And the other good thing was we played Kansas City, where I chalk it up to scratch, you played. But just now you can get your bearings for a week, and then we played LA the next week, and then we had a buy. So I played in really one and a half games, and then we had a buy where I could really get used to everything and how things were ran. But even, like, your treatment people. You know what I mean? Like, the guys that. You see that. Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Because you got your guy, like, there's. That one guy in the building is like, this is my dude I'm working with.

[Christian McCaffrey]

So I'm like, you know, all that. You're scrambling to figure that stuff out. And, yeah, there's. There's a lot of differences here and there, but I'd say that was probably the biggest effect. It's just trying to figure out the logistics of. Of your schedule throughout the week. Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

How close are you with the, like, getting. Because your family's with the. Your. The Shanahan family and your family, you guys are, like, tight, right?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yes.

[Taylor Lewan]

Are you going there feeling kind of like that interpersonal relationship with Coach Shanahan, or is it kind of like our families are tight, but, you know, it's still different for us.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I think when you get traded, it's like you really understand family, friend or whatever how much of a business it is. And you also understand that these guys just traded a lot for you. So, you know, there's. There's no, like, hey, what's up, man? It's like, all right, dude. Like, I. It's time. Like, I gotta. I gotta prove you right and we gotta roll because, you know, I mean, my. My dad played for. Played for Mike Shanahan for a long time. And they're really close, you know, really close. And Kyle grew up in that locker room. Kyle grew up going to those games, the Niners games, when Mike was there, in the. The Broncos games. I. I'd only met Kyle after a game. When we. When we played them, though, I didn't. I wasn't like, you know, I talked to Kyle all the time. That wasn't the case at all. I think, you know, we have a lot of similarities in a lot of ways in the sense that, you know, your dad's kind of grew up. You know, my dad had three super bowl rings, and growing up in Denver, you know, he was a big deal. And, you know, I kind of always, you know, I ended up making a name for myself. But just growing up, you're in his shadow. And I thought it was the best thing ever. I mean, my. Me and my pops are like that. And it was. It was amazing. But, you know, I think Kyle probably feels that a little bit, too. And so it's all business, though. And I love Kyle and I. And we, you know, we got a good relationship, but I want to win so bad, man, and I know he does, too. So it's. It's definitely to the script and business.

[Unknown Host]

You guys are so close this year. Dude, when. When you got Jimmy G. Telling you what to do on the field, and then a few weeks later he's out, like, what was the vibe in the locker room? Because it seems like it was truly a next man up mentality. That's what it seemed like from the outside looking in. But you have a guy who's Mr. Irrelevant. Like, you really have no idea what he's going to put on the field. You had no chance to see him in camp or really in preseason games or anything. So what was your thought process and what was the vibe of the boys the next day?

[Christian McCaffrey]

And there was a lot of mixed emotions and a lot of unknowns. But like I said, I mean that you got the number one defense and you have a lot of weapons, and so I don't. I don't. I really don't believe anyone ever blinked. I think it was, hey, we're gonna have to step up. Like, there's, you know, and I don't know what that means because I never understood that, because it's like, well, what were you doing before? Like, you're not. Yeah, but like, you know what I mean? Just kind of, you know, lock in. No, no, nothing. And. But I. I didn't feel like anybody blinked. And I. And to hear the defense talk about Brock, because those were the guys going against him in scout team and during training camp, they were huge fans. They're like, oh, no, he can ball. And so we're like, all right, let's. Let's see what happens. And he went in the middle of the Miami game. He won.

[Unknown Host]

And.

[Christian McCaffrey]

And then, you know, it was kind of history from there. But, no, it was impressive what he did. I'll be honest with you.

[Unknown Host]

How do you.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Really impressive to watch from. From a close Spectrum.

[Unknown Host]

How do you feel sitting in this room right now, not getting ready for the super bowl, knowing you were so close?

[Christian McCaffrey]

It hurts, man. It hurts. It's. Yeah, it hurts. Yeah, it hurts, man.

[Unknown Host]

But is your dad like the guy from. What was the movie with Booby Miles?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Friday Night Lights.

[Unknown Host]

Friday Night Lights. He's like, you see that? You got one of those. Got one of those. Get you one of those baby dad like that. Is your dad kind of put in your face a little bit or he's letting it ride?

[Christian McCaffrey]

I've never seen my dad's rings. He's the. Couldn't be.

[Taylor Lewan]

You got to drive him home drunk after a game.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

He tosses it out the window. You're shuffling through the grass.

[Christian McCaffrey]

No, God damn it.

[Taylor Lewan]

Dad kicks out the window.

[Unknown Host]

Christian's all sat on the field. His dad walks up, puts it on his finger.

[Christian McCaffrey]

By the way, they asked me the other day, like, what's one of the best movie scenes of all time? That was, like, in my top three.

[Unknown Host]

When he's on his knees, when he.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Hugs his dad at the end there when he lost.

[Unknown Host]

I mean, emotional right now. That is tough.

[Taylor Lewan]

One of mine was the lamp scene.

[Unknown Host]

When he throws the lamp on the ground.

[Taylor Lewan]

He's. I. I dropped it. He's like, can't hold on the lamp. Can't hold on the football. I can hold on to the football. D. Get the hell out of here.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I got a funny story about that, actually.

[Taylor Lewan]

Doug T. Can you. How about now? Can you hold on to it now? Oh, my God.

[Unknown Host]

That poor girl just sitting there watching that all go down, too.

[Taylor Lewan]

Like, Tim McG's, like, half naked.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Like, what's going on?

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Well, I think her name's, like, Marie's, like, oh, Marie, you've grown up.

[Unknown Host]

Tim, Relax.

[Taylor Lewan]

Take it easy, brother.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, so.

[Christian McCaffrey]

So Tim McGraw's daughter went to Stanford, so we got to know the McGraws a little bit, me and my friend group. She's an awesome girl, and we had dinner. A family friend of ours know them pretty well, so he invited us over for dinner when we were at Stanford. Not Tim, our family friend, but the McGraws. Him and faith Hill were going. And so we're like, all right, cool, we'll head over. And the whole way on the car ride, they're like, dude, just don't fucking say any Friday Night Lights lines. Like, don't say, like, be professional. Whatever. Within five minutes, someone drops a fork. And my idiot buddy, like, it's like, don't punch. The President. Goes, can't hold onto the fork. Can't hold on to the fork.

[Unknown Host]

Oh, no, dude. That's what happened.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I was like, no, no. And we all just started. And he started laughing, too, which was good, but, oh, my God, it was anything to it. He laughed. He just laughed. He didn't say anything.

[Unknown Host]

And Tim McGraw is one of those dudes, you see, and you're like, fuck, that's really. Tim McGraw jacked. Is he ripped out, Dude, I saw him at. When I tore my ACL in 2020, and they were playing the Ravens and the suite next to me, he was there, and someone, like, kind of tapped in the glass. I kind of gave him, like, one of those, and he, like, looked at. Gave me the head, and I was like, we're fucking tight, dude. We're boys, brother. Yeah, but, dude, we were at Losers in Nashville one time, and the owner, Loser, his name is Steve Ford, he comes up, he goes, hey, y' all want the back? That's fine, but Bob's coming. I'm like, who? Who's Bob? He's like, kid Rock. Kid Rock's on his way. So my first thing is, where's Will? I go over to Will. I go, will, Kid Rock's coming. Don't say any Joe Dirt.

[Taylor Lewan]

That summer, too. It was a massive Kid Rock.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. I'm like, don't say any Joe Dirt. Don't start singing ball with the bar, any of this stuff. Kid Rock comes in, we're hanging out, we're literally playing beer pong, and we're, like, talking for a little bit. It's me, Will, and Kid Rod, and we. We're talking, and there's, like, a bit of an awkward silence, and we'll just goes. Can't stop thinking about Joe Dirt lines right now. Oh, my God, brother. It's tough when you're around those types of cats, dude.

[Christian McCaffrey]

It's tough because you kind of want.

[Unknown Host]

To be like, I know you.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, exactly.

[Unknown Host]

But you don't really know him.

[Christian McCaffrey]

That's not different scenes, bro.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, it's exactly. It's like, not him a Girl's a dick, man.

[Christian McCaffrey]

No, no, you're just. You're thinking of his character, man.

[Taylor Lewan]

I think is like an. Who I wouldn't like before meeting him is Joffrey from Game of Thrones. I feel like I'd really have an issue. Person.

[Unknown Host]

I gotta watch that show, dude.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

The worst person of all time.

[Unknown Host]

Step away from acting.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Quit acting.

[Unknown Host]

That's what I heard. He quit acting.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

What a great actor.

[Unknown Host]

That's gotta be tough, dude. That has got to be acting.

[Taylor Lewan]

Shall we talk about the NFC championship?

[Christian McCaffrey]

We don't have to.

[Taylor Lewan]

I think we got.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Don't worry about it, dude.

[Taylor Lewan]

I think we got to touch on it.

[Unknown Host]

Don't worry about it, dude. We gotta touch. We gotta touch on it.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Figured.

[Unknown Host]

Did Brock Purdy fake that injury? No, I'm just kidding.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I mean, it was pretty tough. He. He tore his ucl. I mean, he legitimately couldn't throw. And our only hope for, you know, we still had hope. Josh came in and we. We tie it up. We're ready to roll. And then when Josh went down, it's like, you know, it's panic mode, but you never know. Defense, pick six, special teams, touchdown. You don't know what's going to happen. But I don't know if they knew how hurt Brock was. So just having Brock out there, there was still the threat of, like, oh, maybe. Maybe they shot him up and he's good to go. Like, who knows, right? And he threw a couple screen passes. But I. I mean, that's a serious injury. He's just. Yeah, serious injury for him to come back in the game and, you know, try to at least throw, dog. Yeah. No, he didn't fake it.

[Unknown Host]

I didn't get to see the game. But you were saying they were just like. Y' all were just running the ball.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah. After it's like, yeah, they might not know what's going on, but after a few plays, you're going to realize, like, let's just stack the box until they do throw and show that they can try and go up top. So after that, like, as you guys are doing running play after running play after running play, to running play after fucking running play going into the fourth quarter. And then it's not like nobody's like, the clock's not stopping. You guys are just running the football. I'm sitting there like, well, at least try to. Just at least try to throw the football. Yeah, you throw it into the stands. I'm like, hell, yeah. Let it rip, bro.

[Christian McCaffrey]

It was one of the worst pass.

[Taylor Lewan]

Attempts but it's like, why continue to just run the ball? Is there a sense of frustration like.

[Unknown Host]

Dudes like, like him and Debo and.

[Taylor Lewan]

Draw it up on the settle, like, hey, George, I'm about to just, hey, look at me. I'm gonna throw this ball to you.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

In theory, like, that's, that sounds really good. I just, I just feel like I couldn't call play. Like, I, I know the running back position and some Z plays, like calling a play and knowing what people are, you could draw it up all you want. We drew up that, that double reverse and you know, it was the one time. I think they go two shell now and then I, you know, Kittle's double covered and he's our only guy. And so I just, I threw it to absolutely nobody.

[Taylor Lewan]

But I love that you just let it rip. At least they tried throwing the football.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah. Almost got grounding, which would have been like, oh, yeah, never mind. We're not throwing the football. But, but no, it's. I think at that point, man, you're. You're hoping for, you know, we did a couple double reverses and, and we were still running the ball efficiently. It's not like we were zero yards. And I don't know. I wish I, I'm not a coach. I, I don't know what I would have done. I don't think I've ever seen that. The only time I've ever seen no quarterbacks be able to play was the Broncos Covid deal.

[Taylor Lewan]

Oh, and the P squad came in right.

[Christian McCaffrey]

P squad receiver. They got beat by like 45.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, that was a tough. That was a tough though.

[Christian McCaffrey]

And let alone. And you know, not having a quarterback for two and a half in the NFC championship. But I'm, you know, they, they're the ones that hurt them. So it's not like, you know, you can't say it's not fair. You know, they played good ball. It's a good team.

[Taylor Lewan]

But yeah, what a tough spot to be in. And I get it. It's like in theory, that sounds nice. And it's like, I know, like I'm saying that and kind of you're, I'm trying to get you to speak on something where it's like, I mean, I'm not. Yeah, you're not a coach. You're not doing all that stuff. You're not trying to draw it up. But I'm just thinking NFC championship, there's truly nothing to lose at what. At all, whatsoever. So it's like you're just out There. Hey, I'm gonna fucking go five yards and go out. Just to simplify for somebody trying to throw the rock like Kyle, be a co. Be a quarterback so Christian can maybe still run the football. But that's what I'm sitting there thinking. I'm like, man, at least. At least show that you might just throw the ball at some point. Yeah, that's what I was saying, you know, I'm pissed off you on the tv. I bet on you guys. I'm fucking.

[Unknown Host]

I'm fucking pissed off. If there was going to be a quarterback, who do you think it would be to step in?

[Taylor Lewan]

Was it?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Because my guess would be me or Kyle.

[Unknown Host]

Really? Yeah, man. Taking away the fact that it's the NFC Championship, that'd be cool. Like, if you're in the middle.

[Christian McCaffrey]

You know what?

[Unknown Host]

Like six.

[Christian McCaffrey]

In the back of my mind, I won't lie, I'm like, look, dude, if I get the ball, I'm ripping it.

[Taylor Lewan]

Like, yeah, yeah, brother.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Call like some, you know, whatever.

[Unknown Host]

Awesome throw. Take the top off.

[Christian McCaffrey]

We shouldn't have done that.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. But if it's in the middle of the season, you. You do. Yeah. Like, you run the ball, you get out of the game. It's like, well, we didn't have a quarterback, but it's like the game before the Super Bowl.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, but you guys are thinking about the negative. Like, imagine if you were able to play quarterback and was throwing dimes all of a sudden.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah. Or, yeah. I don't know. Oh, that quarterback stuff's tough. Like, forget throwing the ball. Like, calling the play in the huddle. Like, they're still giving me shit because I called one play on the wristband. It was a double reverse pass. And, like, the whole game, it was so loud. And so the quarterback's in there just screaming. Like, we had to have a guy take a knee in the middle so we could shorten up the circle just so we can. And. And so I'm like, damn, I gotta yell this play call. Meanwhile, the play calls, it's that long. And I'm screaming the play, and George is like, dude, shh. Like, it was the one time it was quiet. So, like, the whole defense is like, that we can hear you. Like, I'm like, oh, shit. So quiet my voice down for a little bit. But now calling the play in the huddle is more difficult than people think.

[Unknown Host]

What about a turbo package? Why not go into. You guys have, like, some on the ball stuff where you have like, one. One word, and that's. You're Gonna call and that's it.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, we. Yeah, we have that we. But I don't know it. I don't know. The quarterback. Turbo package. Juice might. But there you go.

[Unknown Host]

Put juice in.

[Christian McCaffrey]

There's so many. There's so many what ifs, man. And, like, you should have done. It's like. But I don't know.

[Unknown Host]

Just.

[Christian McCaffrey]

It just sucked.

[Taylor Lewan]

Absolutely. I mean, this is from the perspective.

[Unknown Host]

Of we're opening wounds in a joking way, and it's gotta be tough.

[Christian McCaffrey]

And I know you're allowed to carry. Like, I. I mean, I had a comment earlier this week in the media where I was like, I wish they changed that rule. And people are like, well, you can change. You can carry three quarterbacks. I'm like, I know that. I just mean you have 53 guys active, but only how many suit up. 48, 46.

[Unknown Host]

Shoot up 48 can suit up now, but you have to suit up an extra offensive lineman or might be 47.

[Christian McCaffrey]

My whole point, I was like, I know that. I just wish one of those extra active players could be a third quarterback because nobody wants to watch that. That's not. No, like, it sucks for us, it sucks for fans. It sucks for everything. You're like, dude, this is. There's so, you know, people's lives. It's. And look, I'm bitter and the wounds are still fresh, and I'm pissed off, and I get it. I'll get over it. But that was just my initial angry thoughts post game.

[Unknown Host]

Dude, hockey's got a rule. Not necessarily a rule, but there are literally guys in the stands that are goalies. And they're like. Like, there's two goalies that suit up. If both those goalies get hurt, that guy will literally go down the locker room, suit up, and go play goalie.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Isn't that wild?

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, that would be nice if you were able to do that, because it does. Like. And I know we're sitting here talking like, oh, we should have coulda. It's like, there's the chances are 99 chance you're still gonna, like, lose the game.

[Unknown Host]

Whoa.

[Taylor Lewan]

Well, I mean, the way it was getting out of hand, it's just like they had a quarter left to make something happen.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, you're saying. You're not saying. Even with Brock.

[Taylor Lewan]

I'm not sitting here saying, like, oh, if you was. If he would have acted as the quarterback into the bar, and that means they would have won the game. It's like, you know, you're kind of just like, well, everyone knows it's pretty Much going to be over with.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, but I thought you were saying if Brock played the entire game.

[Taylor Lewan]

Oh, no, no, no, no. You guys win that game.

[Unknown Host]

You really think so?

[Taylor Lewan]

10 times out of 10.

[Unknown Host]

You really think so?

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. Fuck no.

[Taylor Lewan]

The Niners and the Eagles, those are.

[Unknown Host]

Both the two best put together teams in the NFL.

[Christian McCaffrey]

They were really, they were good, man. I thought they're a good team. I, you know, you go in every game confident. That's one thing about Kyle, like he gets you to get, you know, with his game plans and stuff. You're like, oh, damn, I'm excited for this game. You know, and who knows what would have happened. I just think, man, like, I just wish it didn't go that way.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, that is especially in that, that first drive to like they got that fourth down play and obviously you guys are still in it. It's like nobody's wanting. You have that catch A different game. It's a different game.

[Christian McCaffrey]

How about. Yeah, the punt. The punt too. They're roughing the punter. Different game. Who knows game. I'm talking on the couch.

[Taylor Lewan]

I know.

[Unknown Host]

I'm talking on a couch. Yeah, but dude, you're wearing that heart on that sleeve right now, which is awesome. 49, 49ers are gonna absolutely love it. You had a, a comment. I think you're on NFL Network media row. It might have been yesterday, saying you wish you hope both teams lose. Obviously that's not gonna happen. Who do you and not hope, but who do you think? Yeah, yeah. Imagine there' for the Super Bowl.

[Christian McCaffrey]

That can't happen, right?

[Unknown Host]

No, it can't happen.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, right.

[Unknown Host]

No, no, no.

[Taylor Lewan]

There's no way.

[Unknown Host]

There's no ties. There's no ties. Who do you think is going to win this game? Because we've been, this has been like obviously the conversation for everybody, especially here in this house. Everyone's talking over and over about how.

[Taylor Lewan]

By the time this comes out, it's like, it'll be done.

[Unknown Host]

It'll be done.

[Taylor Lewan]

Who you thinking?

[Unknown Host]

We'll clip it real quick and send it out today?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah. I don't know, man. Got it. I don't know. I think, I don't know. It's so hard for me to like say one or the other, you know, because I'm so pissed off. You know, it's like.

[Taylor Lewan]

So you think the Eagles?

[Christian McCaffrey]

No, not necessarily.

[Taylor Lewan]

You just don't want to give it to it?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Not necessarily. I mean, tough. They're a stack team. They got a, you know, so many weapons on offense and, and that Pass rush is serious. It's tough to bet against Pat Mahomes ever, you know, in a game. So I don't know. I hope it's good game, though. I don't know if I'll watch, but I hope it's a good game.

[Unknown Host]

You think you're gonna watch the super watch? Man, it hurts that bad?

[Christian McCaffrey]

It hurts.

[Unknown Host]

It hurts, brother. I can't, I can't imagine. I mean, I can, I was in the championship once, but I, that's gotta be fucking tough.

[Taylor Lewan]

You know exactly how he's feeling.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, but like, I mean, not in.

[Christian McCaffrey]

The way we lost. Made it even tougher.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Because there is truly a, like, argument for what if.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

You know what I'm saying?

[Christian McCaffrey]

If we got beat, I'd be like, you know what, man? Prop. And, and look, you're gonna clip that. By the way, Philly fans hate, hate me right now for the whole. I hope both team anyway, good. Dude.

[Unknown Host]

It's Philly. They are literally, that's what they do.

[Christian McCaffrey]

So, but, but like, I, you know, I'm not saying we would have won. I am saying, you know, we'd have had a chance and that would have been a, you know, not nothing.

[Taylor Lewan]

Say you would have won.

[Christian McCaffrey]

We would have won. But no, like, that we would.

[Unknown Host]

Got it. It's actually out on Twitter right now.

[Taylor Lewan]

Go ahead, say it.

[Christian McCaffrey]

No, but I just think having a chance is important in NFL football.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, I know.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. Dude, I think Philly's gonna win.

[Taylor Lewan]

So I do, I think that's, yeah, that's what I think.

[Unknown Host]

I think Philly's gonna win. And then you had a fantastic point earlier this week, Will, that the way the Chiefs win is off scripted plays that.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, that's how I feel. Because I just feel like Philly can line up and beat you, you know, both ways, on the ground, through the air, which was tough, which was what was shitty to watch with you guys. You guys have such a tough defense. Like, seeing them march down and like, run the balls, like, man.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, but I, I, this is the other thing about our team. Like, I just feel like we've been down in the first half in multiple games this year where it was looking like that. But our second half adjustments on defense like d' Amico Ryan's had the dialed in the second half, and I just feel like that was where we thrived was that second half, that third and fourth quarter where, you know, we, we made a lot of way in that second half, so who knows?

[Unknown Host]

But you guys have a lot of guys in free agency this year.

[Christian McCaffrey]

We have some really important guys in free agency, but no, we. We get a lot of guys back.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. Who are the guys that are in free agency?

[Christian McCaffrey]

I'm going to miss some of them. I know, like, off the top of my head. McGlinchey, our right tackle, Jimmy Ward, who I'm a big fan of Ca. Jimmy Ward's a stud. I'm not sure. Receiver, who's up and who's not. I don't. I'm not. Still not familiar with how old everyone is. So I don't know, like, who's on the free agent market. Those are the ones that jumped off, though, right away. Trying to think D line, Charles up.

[Unknown Host]

Center, maybe back D line, dude. So McGlinchey is one of those dudes on the offensive line that I feel like it's way more hate than he deserves. I feel like everyone's always, like, trashing him, but I feel like he's a pretty solid tackle. Yeah, he's really good.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Very solid.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Tough is. You play on the opposite side of Trent Williams your whole career. It's like. Or not your whole career, but, like.

[Unknown Host]

Anytime you play the opposite side Trent Williams.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, it's like, that's tough.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Tough to like, you're not. You know what I mean?

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

No. Mike's been nothing, but he's been great.

[Unknown Host]

Can you imagine being a part of a franchise that had Joe Staley for 11 years, and then he leaves, and then you actually have an upgrade at tackle? That's like the most wild shit. This tackle is like, one of those positions. Like, there's so much demand and there's hardly any supply.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, a hundred percent.

[Unknown Host]

It's crazy.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I just think O line in general, now. You can get a solid O lineman at any of the five positions, but especially left tackle. That's so hard to find, brother.

[Unknown Host]

And he does. He has. Trent has no sign of slowing down at all. He looks. He got better when he left the Redskins.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Or the Commanders. Now you're off taking a year off, which I feel like never happens, dude.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Never happens, man.

[Christian McCaffrey]

He's. He's the free. He's the freakiest player I've ever seen in my life in person. And I don't know if it's close, like, just practicing and, like, it's stupid.

[Unknown Host]

Does he practice hard?

[Christian McCaffrey]

He doesn't practice Wednesdays. He does, really. He does what he has to do.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, you could. You could attest to that.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, he does what he has to do.

[Taylor Lewan]

Warming up. He'll be on the side, but he's.

[Christian McCaffrey]

One of those guys that can do that.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, he's.

[Christian McCaffrey]

He's. He's one of those guys that can.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah. I was going to say that conversation at the lunch table. Genuine as hell. Innocent as hell. Like, I really am waiting on the day where I walk in these doors and someone challenges me at practice. Like, he had that comment when I.

[Unknown Host]

Was like a rookie and he said that. He said that to Brian Arakpo. Yeah. Who's like four time pro there.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I remember. I knew it was for real, too. Like Bosa, you know, Everyone knows Bosa in the year that he's had. We were on the bus one time and he's like, I got the hardest job in America. Like, what? He's like, I gotta go against Trent every day. God, that's gotta be defensive player of the year. Saying, like, I got the hardest job in America going to Trent.

[Taylor Lewan]

Every.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Like, that's. Yeah, it's. It's stupid, man. It's stupid.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. I think he almost beat the.

[Taylor Lewan]

Out of somebody on the Eagles too, at the end of that game.

[Unknown Host]

Long, buddy. And a little bit of a history of just going off. He didn't do that to Richard Sherman back in the day.

[Taylor Lewan]

He went after the. He went after the db.

[Unknown Host]

Ain't nothing wrong with that, you know? Nothing wrong with that, you know?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Hey, what I wanted to see because sue ended up trying to get in there. I'm like, oh, I'm trying to.

[Unknown Host]

That would have been a nice little fight, dude.

[Taylor Lewan]

And Dominican super is Trent Williams.

[Unknown Host]

Right. I think Trent takes that now, though.

[Taylor Lewan]

What's up?

[Unknown Host]

I think Trent takes that.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I'm not commenting.

[Taylor Lewan]

Oh, man. I don't know. Yeah, yeah. Like, there's nobody.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I'm actually picking. Kill me.

[Unknown Host]

Do I say what?

[Christian McCaffrey]

If I comment on that? Sue's gonna kill me next year we play him.

[Unknown Host]

Just kill me if he can catch you, bro.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, he's got to get his hands on.

[Unknown Host]

You got to believe yourself. Speaking of catching you, dude, when. When you were training for the combine, there was a video that came out about you that if you doing like, you were like doing your high knees over like some sort of like little. Little thing, you know, the video.

[Christian McCaffrey]

We're talking about the video, I think. Oh, yeah.

[Unknown Host]

How much? How? Dude, you're. You're in a room, there's a TV going, and you're stepping over this little, like, step thing. It's like this high and you're like going super fast. It looks like it's fake. Do you remember that video?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Okay. I. I don't know.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Is that video real?

[Christian McCaffrey]

It's real.

[Unknown Host]

What a question. Is that real? Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

How sick was it? Being an absolute beast at Stanford, man.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Dude.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah. Stanford was fun, man. And I think, though, the football team was fun.

[Unknown Host]

All right.

[Christian McCaffrey]

For sure. We had a good team, man. Like, I, I feel like people counted us out a lot and we didn't even know how good we were. But there's like, I want to say, like 20 to 25 dudes who I played with in the three years I was there who are in the league, like, in the league or just got out, like, you know, who were jumping around for a while. I didn't know if we knew how good we were, but it was fun, man. I had a lot of good times. That Rose bowl game was a blast. My second year was, you know, that whole year was fun, so I enjoyed it.

[Taylor Lewan]

Are you, like, going through that season just. And when you're shredding records, you're like, yo, this is fucking easy out here.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I didn't know if I was going to start before the season started. So my freshman year, it was. It's the whole same running back room as my next year, so. And I was, I. I didn't start my freshman year. I was kind of a, you know, third down, utility guy, punt return, kick return, stuff like that. My second year, I got the nod and our first game, we lose to Northwestern and I had a fumble in the game and I just remember, like, like, this is going to be an uphill battle for me. That was our first game. So we're 0 1, lost to unranked Northwestern at Northwestern, and you just don't know what's going to happen.

[Taylor Lewan]

Territory.

[Christian McCaffrey]

So it was. Yeah. And then it just started going and going and going. I don't think it hit me until the end of the year, but that was fun. It was a fun team to play on.

[Unknown Host]

If you take Stanford out of it, what other. What college did. Would you want to go to? Like, the number one college or what.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I would have.

[Unknown Host]

Let's do both. Where would, where would you have gone if it wasn't Stanford? And then if you had a choice of any school besides Stanford, where. Where would you have gone?

[Christian McCaffrey]

I probably would have gone to Oregon Fire. That was like in the Michael James, the Anthony Thomas.

[Unknown Host]

Yes.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Kind of era. And that kind of fit my style. Just in high school, I. Same offense, the whole nine track, all that stuff. But then I remember my dad sat me down and he, he went over all the Academic stuff. And I understood that, but he was like, if you want to play in the NFL and like play big dog football, you got to run in a pro style offense. It is what it is because no one's going to think that you can run in a pro style offense. And I was like, dang, you're right. He was right. Like, I needed to run power. I needed to run inside zone.

[Unknown Host]

So you were going to go to.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Oregon, like, if it wasn't going to go to Oregon. But I was debating between like Stanford, Oregon, Washington, and then my, My older brother played at Duke. So I was highly considering going to play with, you know, play at Duke with him too. So those were like the four where I was pretty close to going to.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

How pivotal was it for you to have your old man as like a mentor for you?

[Christian McCaffrey]

It was the growing up. Yeah, the best.

[Taylor Lewan]

Like legit. Like, is it growing up, Was it one ear out the other and then it got a little bit more. You took more of his, of his advice, like when you got closer to college or how was that, how was that relationship with him growing up?

[Christian McCaffrey]

We. So I have three brothers and I, I'm, I'm number two. And we all, we all play football and all, you know, played a bunch of different sports. But it was such an advantage, man. Like, we could go to him with anything and he was never like, hey, you gotta. He was tough, man. We had a. It was. We grew up great, but we, you know, by any means were the farthest things from spoiled. And it was hard at times, but we had so much fun, man. Like, we. I did everything with my brothers and my older brother kicked my ass every single day and everything we did. And it was, it was so good for me and, and having my dad, you know, obviously as an outlet at any time we wanted was. Was great, I think. Not just for like, hey, man, you know, if you're running a route and under 15 yards, you should never take more than three steps when you break. And like different things like that and how to cut and how to plant and how to do this and that. It was more like the emotional side of it and how to handle your emotions when things happen. Because we were all. We were always really competitive. We never needed like a, hey, man, you gotta try harder. It was always really important to us. So that was never like, he didn't, you know, he was big on effort and grades and all these things, but I think, like, how to handle your business and how to, you know, deal with emotions when you're on the field was. Was important for me to learn at a young age. Because if I didn't have him, I don't know, you know, I don't know what would have happened.

[Taylor Lewan]

I gotta follow up.

[Unknown Host]

Go ahead.

[Taylor Lewan]

You mentioned it being like it was hard at times. Like, what were the hard times?

[Christian McCaffrey]

And when I say hard how the.

[Taylor Lewan]

Old man was tough on you.

[Christian McCaffrey]

It's like hard as a, you know, when you're a kid. Like it would now.

[Unknown Host]

It's not hard taping balls to you. Hard as you hold on to it.

[Taylor Lewan]

Maybe you appreciate it.

[Christian McCaffrey]

We would get grounded for real. If you got jersey tackle, like seven, eight years old. If you got, you know, you wear the big jerseys.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

You get grounded if you get jersey.

[Unknown Host]

Oh, really?

[Taylor Lewan]

Seven, eight years old.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Your Ground Depot tape, that double sided tape. I'm eight and double side tape my pads. This is, you know, they didn't have the Velcro and double side tape. My pads, I never got. I was running through everybody. No jersey tackles ever. You know, he would cut like certain slits in the pant to give you like more knee flexion. Like back in the day at 8 years old, doing like dynamic warm ups. Dude, no sodas. Bedtime, 7:30. Oh, yeah. Like, he would take. They would take our phone until I left for high school at like a time. He's gonna hate me for saying all this, but it works. Yeah, I mean, I don't know if he's gonna listen to it, but. But yeah, like, that's how it was. Like, we, you know, when diet was always important, sleep was always. When now we were kids, man, like, we could go over to the friend's house. It wasn't like a, you know, like anything like that. But when it came to sports and to school, it was, hey, if you want to. To be here, here are the things that you need to do. Like, like Friday, in my off periods, like, he would come pick me up and I was in high school. We go, you know, like in the middle of the day, middle of the day, getting IV.

[Unknown Host]

What?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Oh, yeah, we're get. We're getting just saline IVs. Game day. Because I remember one game, I cramped. I cramped against Grandview High School like my sophomore year. First game in the fourth quarter, calf cramps, double calf cramps. He's like, you're never cramping again. IVs never cramped again. Oh, yeah. And I like, even like little things like, you're wearing jeans. Like, my school is a private school. You had you wear jeans or, you know, no sweats. Whatever. You wearing jeans to school. He doesn't even remember this, but I remember it. It's pretty heavy on the legs, don't you think? Like, you're kind of right. Wore sweats, got in trouble, didn't. He's like, look, dude, you got to be comfy during the day. You got to be relaxed. Like, this is how you act on a game day. Like, this is what you do. Like all that pep rally. Like, don't be yelling, don't be losing your voice. When you're out in the sun, if you squint, you're wasting energy. Like, make sure you had. I'm talking and I didn't realize. So, like, people who like know me now and they see, you know, taking how I take care of my body and like the warmups and all these stuff, it's like that's been like bred in us since I was a kid. Like, it's been taught to us for the longest time. Like, hey, this is. And that's what he did. And he was over the top. Like, there's guys in his team who are like, what the hell is this guy? This guy's nuts. But, you know, I mean, I always felt like I had a chip on my shoulder and people were gonna count me out and so I was gonna do everything human. Going to weigh in at like the washing. I mean, everybody did this. But like I go on my Washington visit, I think I was like 1 8. I had to be 182 or something. Like that's how much I weighed. And he put like, we put like little 10, 10 pound, like slit squares in my shoes or in my socks in case they made me take my shoes off. So that if you take your shoes off, you know, obviously they're still in your socks. And I ended up weighing like 198. I had like a thick pair of puffy jeans on, like the whole nine. Every trick in the brother you could think of, he was aware. No to, to the University of Washington. University of Washington.

[Unknown Host]

So your dad knew you're going pro the minute you came out of the womb.

[Christian McCaffrey]

When the coaches, when the college coaches would come to my high school and like, I, I was never small, so to say, but I was always. People would say I'm small, like for, you know, I wasn't 230. But he's like, when the coaches come, like, you got to go knock out like 25 in the bathroom. Like, so I would be doing push ups, bathroom floor curls and with my backpack before, like, you know, some QC from, you know, Tennessee would come by, has no, he's not going to offer me at all anyway, but I would. My veins are popping out. I'm like, coach, nice to meet you. Like, yeah, like the whole nine, yo, that's hilarious.

[Taylor Lewan]

That makes sense because you were dressed, you were dressed up professionally when you visited Washington for your draft visit. Because he was sitting in the special teams room with the special teams coordinator. Because, remember, we met that day.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I remember that came in and you're.

[Taylor Lewan]

Like sitting there and you got like this collared shirt on. Everything else. I was like, oh, man, by the.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Way, I didn't know that wasn't a 20 minute break. I remember I did every visit I took, I was like, I thought that's what people did. Like, that's why I did that. If I knew, like, yo, that guy's kind of going overboard, I probably would have, you know, maybe just not to tie. You know, maybe not the tie. Maybe just a shirt.

[Taylor Lewan]

It's the fact that he's in the special teams coordinator's office. It's like he's obviously going to be a top 10 pick. Running back.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

And he's in there talking teams. The coordinator.

[Unknown Host]

You hard?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, he's talking teams.

[Unknown Host]

And every 15 minutes he's like, hey, coach, I gotta go to the bathroom real quick. Gets another 20.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Oh, yeah. Dude, he's got great square shoulders and that. Great square shoulders.

[Christian McCaffrey]

So like, people forget you played nine years in the NFL.

[Taylor Lewan]

People forget, like, funny.

[Christian McCaffrey]

And it's so, it's. Well, it's like nine years in the league, man, that's pretty.

[Taylor Lewan]

Let me get that though.

[Christian McCaffrey]

That's pretty impressive. No, Am I wrong?

[Unknown Host]

No, you're right. Hey, brother. Dude, I think we're all kind of worried because I will. He played 10 years, now 10 years happened.

[Taylor Lewan]

No, I was just thinking, I was just wondering, you know, a little compliment.

[Unknown Host]

You said. Christian McCaffrey.

[Taylor Lewan]

Respect.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. You're 11. Year 11's alive and well right now. That is. That's all eyes are on year 11 right now for Will Compton. When you years in the NFL, when did you know? Like, okay, I'm gonna, I'm gonna make it to the NFL.

[Taylor Lewan]

Had to be at 8 years old.

[Unknown Host]

8 years old, double sided tape. You're like, this is. This is it.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I remember I would go to like, for me, it was. I always knew how hard it was to get to the end. Like, while, while I knew I was good, I always knew there was like another level and, and I'd never gone against that other level. So I used to go to those all American, like the, you know, the FBU All American Games when I was in like the seventh and eighth grade. And I just remember them hype, like they, they thought I was the punter. They gave me like the, you know, the wrong. They spelled my name wrong on the jersey. And I just like stuff like that mattered to me and I just used to piss me off so much and it always like stuck with me. And they would hype up these other backs, like these other guys, you know, like so much. And that was like the poster of their whole thing. I'm like, mother. Like I'm better than that dude.

[Taylor Lewan]

Who's somebody you're thinking about? Who was somebody in the class you're.

[Unknown Host]

Thinking about right now?

[Christian McCaffrey]

He's my guy.

[Unknown Host]

That's okay.

[Christian McCaffrey]

And I love him.

[Unknown Host]

And he was.

[Christian McCaffrey]

And by the way, at the time, looking back, he probably, he probably had the edge on me, which is tough to admit.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Michelle ran 107 in the eighth grade and you would have thought this guy, I mean he was an impressive. He played varsity as an eighth grader and I just remember like he used the gold standard in the mid isn't talking. I'm talking about middle school football right now.

[Unknown Host]

I don't. But you say he played almost a.

[Taylor Lewan]

10, 7 in 8th grade.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Seriously fast.

[Unknown Host]

How do you play varsity in 8th grade?

[Christian McCaffrey]

American Heritage High School highlight tapes. Like he doesn't even know this by the way. Like. But now he does. Yeah, I used to like, like I don't know what the rule was in Florida, but in, in Fort Lauderdale, I guess, like they let him play varsity. I mean he was balling.

[Unknown Host]

Five year letterman in high school.

[Christian McCaffrey]

So he was the. Yeah, he was, he was, you know, and then did the same thing. Went to the like Army All American game. Same. And it's all the backs that are in the league. So like looking back, I should have been like, hey man, you're in the right class. Like, these are good, you know, good backs. But I was, it was still like I always had to prove myself everywhere I've been and you know, I mean, it is what it is. I feel like that's everyone's story. It's not like just me. I feel I, you know, the more I talk to people, the more like, yeah, same, you know, but.

[Taylor Lewan]

We all make up some enemy in our head every.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, everybody has their own origin story.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Absolutely. Like they, I don't know.

[Unknown Host]

I got like three guys in my head right now. It's like I remember. I remember looking at dudes being like, these guys. Guys don't even know.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

They have no idea what's about to come combine.

[Christian McCaffrey]

E Y. Dude. I'll never forget it. And I didn't even realize it either. I didn't look at, like, the way they spelled my name. So I did the whole thing. My buddies are hitting me up like, dude, yeah, Damn, dog.

[Taylor Lewan]

They disrespected you. Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

How's that make you feel?

[Christian McCaffrey]

You know what it's like? Because. Because I'm. I get, like, salty like that. I. I notice it more. Like, I'm sure most people who aren't bitter like me, they're probably like, yeah, whatever. Like, who cares? You know? And they're fine. It doesn't matter. But. Because I like, you know what I mean? I don't know. Like you said, you all. You always create an enemy, and I think that's what keeps guys going. Like, I. It's. You. You. You have to keep that chip. Otherwise, it's. It's just tough to find a purpose.

[Unknown Host]

You're not. You're not the minority. I feel like, yeah. Keeping the chip. Like, there's way more guys like that. And the most of the time that there are these successful guys.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Right.

[Unknown Host]

That have that chip always, that are like, this. People are out to get me. And one. One little thing, like spelling your last name wrong, like, this is all I needed. Like, this. This is the affirmation. I needed personal to know. Yeah. And know that, like, these people are really, truly out to get me.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, exactly. That's how you feel. You're like, they want me to fail.

[Unknown Host]

Yes.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

And. And honestly, if you really were able to zoom out, no one's thinking about.

[Christian McCaffrey]

You couldn't care less.

[Unknown Host]

Not one person.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Probably the marketing dude who, like, couldn't even, like, he's just putting together the, like, doing the jerseys in the back. It's not like, yeah. The NFL is not against Roger Goodell.

[Unknown Host]

Roger Goodell called. Was like, it up, dude, we cannot have a white running back in the NFL right now.

[Christian McCaffrey]

The guy's name wrong.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah. He's a joke.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

It's crazy.

[Christian McCaffrey]

But. And sometimes it is like that. But, you know, there's real stuff that. Where you're like, man, somebody actually might feel like that, but then you find the little things that just kind of subconsciously confirm it. And it's like, it's just keeping me alive right now. Like, that's what's. That's what's waking me up.

[Taylor Lewan]

You do seem super fudgeing competitive.

[Unknown Host]

What's keeping you alive right now?

[Christian McCaffrey]

What's with that game? That last game? Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah, That'll. That'll. I think everybody kind of feels that, you know, the whole. Yeah, I mean, that's. There's a lot. You know, it was a good revival of a year of like, all right, let's go. You know, that's how I feel.

[Taylor Lewan]

You hope to play against Carolina soon?

[Christian McCaffrey]

I think it'd be awesome.

[Unknown Host]

That was the best possible answer you could have had. They are. Do you guys play them next year?

[Christian McCaffrey]

I don't think we play them next year. No, I know.

[Unknown Host]

We don't play them, you know.

[Taylor Lewan]

You know, they don't have any other questions. I see. It's going over.

[Unknown Host]

It's going over.

[Taylor Lewan]

You got a heart.

[Unknown Host]

Well, I just want to ask real quickly, what's that?

[Taylor Lewan]

All right, cool. Eight minutes.

[Unknown Host]

All right. Matt Rule, he is now the head coach of Nebraska. What things you have. Like, obviously, his time in Carolina was up and down. He got fired. But what do you think is going to make him successful or if he's even going to be successful at Nebraska? Like, what.

[Taylor Lewan]

What can I look forward to?

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, what can we look forward to?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Seriously, the boys will play hard. Like, that's one thing. Coach Rule, you know, you buy into his. His way. Like, guys play hard, man, from top to bottom. I mean, you know the deal in the NFL, how tough it is to coach in this league, and a lot of things have to go right. I always said, like, head coach and quarterback, way too much credit, way too much blame. But no, I have. I have nothing but good things to say about Coach Roll. He. He got us going, man. He really. From. From the first year. He got there, too. And. And the different things that he did and learned in his time and his ability to change the things that he thought were wrong. I thought was impressive, too, like, openness to talk to guys, being able to, you know, say, hey, that was probably wrong of me to do, and then change and actually go by it, you know, understanding, like, hey, I don't have it all figured out. I'm in year one, too. Adaptability. But, I mean, you saw the success he had in college, man. I. That's. I think it's a reason on our way back. Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

Fires me up.

[Unknown Host]

That's amazing.

[Taylor Lewan]

Well, it does seem like a consistent message. Like, as far as.

[Unknown Host]

Was Matt Rule, the one. Was Christian, the one Matt Rule said saw his family in the airport.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Unknown Host]

He had. He was very complimentative of you. Said that you were walking out. I think it was when he got. When he got traded.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

And you saw his family and his kids in the. In the airport, and you went up to them and said, what's up?

[Christian McCaffrey]

It's onward, man. Onward and upward, dude. You guys that stuck with him. That's it. Yeah. Yeah, it was weird. Honestly. It's like, this is an interesting. Head coach gets canned, I get canned.

[Unknown Host]

It's like, yeah, brother, you didn't get.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Canned, but you know what I mean?

[Taylor Lewan]

You got canned.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

No.

[Unknown Host]

Anything you gotta tell yourself. Would they. Would they get in the trade? What did Carolina get?

[Christian McCaffrey]

They got a 2, a 3, a 4, and a 5. Not all in the same year. I think. I think it's over a couple years. Yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Hey, man, you know, he told himself that, too. Like, oh, they didn't get me a first.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Okay. Okay. I know.

[Taylor Lewan]

I would have handled it.

[Unknown Host]

And I took that personal.

[Christian McCaffrey]

And I took that.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, dude, do we got it?

[Christian McCaffrey]

And I've had, I think one that comes to mind was the first play of the Rose Bowl. I was. You know, that was a game that I don't think anybody knew what was going to happen. And I was pissed off. And I just lost the Heisman. The boy, Derek Henry, who's the boy, by the way? I love that guy.

[Unknown Host]

Do you really?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, I really do like him. I want to not like him. I can't. I love his game. I love him. I think he's. I think he's great.

[Unknown Host]

But then a couple years ago, when you beat us in Carolina, you're like, that's for you, Derek.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, but that game. That game, you know, I think that that play sparked just one of those games where just everything goes right for you. You know, I think, like, the safety came down the middle linebacker slip, so there's no whole player. Then there's nobody behind the guy. So all I had to do is make him miss and got in, just house call. And I think we all knew, like, this is about to be one of those games. And then. And then the flip against. When I jumped over that dude against Jacksonville. That was a fun play. That hurt. My back hurt for, like, six weeks after that. But that was a. That was a memorable one.

[Unknown Host]

That's awesome.

[Taylor Lewan]

I know, right?

[Unknown Host]

Mitch, you got anything? Garrett? Jack.

[Christian McCaffrey]

We were winning. You know, I mean, I think. I think, like, I have a hard time, like, when you're losing, like, celebrating, like, it's kind of, like the urgency to, like, get back to the huddle and get going a little bit. Is you know, and you're not the first person that said that. And I, I, it might too be just, like, when you get traded. It's, it's. There's a lot of pressure that comes with that because you're on a new team, but there's also, like, an amount of pressure that just gets off your shoulders where you're like, you know what, man? Like, I'm gonna just go have fun playing football, because this is what I love to do. And, you know, I just think when you, I, we had so many tough seasons in Carolina that I wanted more to celebrate than, like, the touchdown. You know, I wanted to win games. I wanted to be like, not just win one. Win a couple in a row and then start to get momentum. Then you start to see the boys having a little more fun, but just tough. Sometimes.

[Taylor Lewan]

That fires me up. Dude, I'm glad you're with. I'm glad you're with San Fran because I feel like you guys are. They can be good for a while. Yeah, they got the organization running smooth. It's just getting to the Super Bowl.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, right.

[Unknown Host]

Not gonna get Rogers, though. Roger said he's not going to San Fran.

[Taylor Lewan]

You say that the Raiders might have a shot at him. We'll see.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah, the Raiders are the big one. Yeah, big one for him. But I thought he said it in a golf tournament. I'm not going to San Fran.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, I think he said.

[Unknown Host]

Did he say that?

[Christian McCaffrey]

I don't know. I don't know.

[Unknown Host]

I am crushing this podcast.

[Taylor Lewan]

What kind of father you think you're gonna be?

[Christian McCaffrey]

Kind of father?

[Taylor Lewan]

Are we getting Jersey tackles? We grounding the kids or what are we doing there?

[Christian McCaffrey]

I. You gotta do what? You know, that's all I knew.

[Unknown Host]

Call that a boy.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I worry about that, though. I worry about that. It's like, is my kid gonna hate me? Like, hey, man, come over here real quick. We're gonna tape your jersey, put it in front of the fireplace and do all this stuff. And it was like, 7:30. All right, time for bed. What, you got home from hoops? Like, but no, I mean, it's funny because it started to work, like, when he did that, and I was like, damn. Like, all right, that's the way it is. That's the way it is. And I enjoyed having success more than I enjoyed, like, you know, staying up and all that stuff. It was fun for me. So I think all of us hated it at times. But under. We all understood it, all four of us, definitely. But, yeah. So what am I gonna be? I Don't know. I don't know. That's a good question. Maybe my kid will, like, do music or something and maybe teach me some stuff about.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

I don't know. Who knows?

[Taylor Lewan]

Dude, I appreciate you coming on. And I just remember, too, like, your dad was. Your dad was one of my first NFL action figures.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Oh, nice. Yeah.

[Taylor Lewan]

So he's watching this. Mr. McCaffrey, you were one of my first action figures. My dad, you know, white receiver.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Hey, white guy.

[Taylor Lewan]

You're gonna. You gotta be like him.

[Unknown Host]

It's gonna be you.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah, sort of. But thanks for coming on, man.

[Christian McCaffrey]

It's been awesome, you guys having me, man. Appreciate you.

[Taylor Lewan]

Thanks for talking about all the, you know, 49er stuff, the trade.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Yeah, it'll be.

[Taylor Lewan]

I think it'll be.

[Unknown Host]

It'll be a good insight for people to see, like, where your mindset was at, because I know a lot of people are wondering.

[Taylor Lewan]

I can't wait for the stories with the old man going. Coming out. I can see that stuff, like, Jersey. Jersey getting grounded.

[Unknown Host]

You might not see it, but one of his buddies is gonna see it. Hey, you see this? He's like, huh? What? He said, what? Yeah, he's gonna go watch all them.

[Taylor Lewan]

Videos, all the McAffrey bros. Like, yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Hell, yeah.

[Unknown Host]

Yeah.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Hell, yeah.

[Unknown Host]

That's awesome, dude.

[Taylor Lewan]

Yeah. Thank you, brother.

[Christian McCaffrey]

He's here. Yeah, He. He's doing a bunch. He's at Radio Road doing some media. He does some stuff with Sirius xm.

[Unknown Host]

Hell, yeah, dude. He's still in the game. Still in the game. Crushing it.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Staying close to ball. So that's.

[Taylor Lewan]

Thanks a lot, brother.

[Christian McCaffrey]

Appreciate it, guys. Thank you, man. Y.