NFL News: 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan gives Christian McCaffrey unusual label over his game mentality

Despite multiple injuries in 2024, Christian McCaffrey is still regarded as one of the top running backs in the NFL. Now, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has confirmed that status—though he did so with a rather unusual label.

When the 49ers acquired McCaffrey in 2022, many fans questioned the move. San Francisco gave up four draft picks to the Panthers, which at the time seemed like a steep price.

However, it turned out to be a bargain. McCaffrey immediately proved to be a top-tier player, helping the 49ers transform their offense and quickly emerge as serious contenders.

Kyle Shanahan praises Christian McCaffrey with bizarre comment about his mentality

Christian McCaffrey’s arrival completely changed the 49ers’ offense. Not only is he a dominant runner, but he also opens up countless options in the passing game and helps keep the chains moving.

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Unfortunately, the 2024 season was a nightmare for the star running back. He suffered multiple injuries—including Achilles tendinitis in both legs—that sidelined him for nearly the entire year.

According to team reports, McCaffrey is now fully healthy and ready to go for the 2025 campaign. While many expect his workload to be managed, Kyle Shanahan recently revealed that McCaffrey’s mindset is as intense as ever—he wants to play every snap this season.

On Tuesday, Shanahan was asked how McCaffrey is handling his recovery. The head coach didn’t hesitate to describe him in an unusual way: a psycho.

Christian McCaffrey, running back of the San Francisco 49ers

“If I said it, I’d be making up because Christian is — I mean, he is a psycho in a good way and so like he does everything imaginable every single day,” Shanahan said, via transcript from the team. “Last year he couldn’t because he was battling injury all last year. And this year he is healthy so he is right back to being who he is always been and it’s really fun to watch.”

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Christian McCaffrey remains a cornerstone of San Francisco’s offense. He’s become a vital asset to Brock Purdy, offering reliability both on the ground and through the air.

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Last year, McCaffrey signed a new contract extension with the 49ers. The deal is a two-year, $38 million extension that keeps him under contract through the 2027 season.