ESPN.com · Sep 21, 2023
Is 49ers' Christian McCaffrey the prototype for the next star running back?
SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Long before signing bonuses, guarantees and the future of his position became hot-button issues, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey's football pursuits were far simpler.
As a 7-year-old playing his first season of organized football for the Hawks in Parker, Colorado, McCaffrey tugged on his No. 26 jersey, surveyed the scene and quickly concluded there was only one position he wanted to play.
"I remember in little league, the running back got the ball every play because when you're 7- and 8-years old, there's not a lot of passing going on," McCaffrey said. "And I loved the idea of scoring touchdowns."
