Christian McCaffrey Gets Emotional After Likely Season Ending Injury

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is opening up after suffering a likely season-ending knee injury in the Niners’ Sunday Night Football loss to the Buffalo Bills last week.

McCaffrey, 28, took to Instagram to assure fans he plans to return even better, in a post on Wednesday, December 4.

“Football is the greatest game on the planet to me,” he wrote. “I love that you can find out exactly who you are without ever saying a word. It lifts you up and breaks you down and it can happen fast. It’s humbling in the best ways. You can do everything right and still fail.”

McCaffrey was diagnosed with a posterior cruciate ligament injury, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Monday. The three-time Pro Bowler is now on injured reserve. Fans probably won’t see him again until the 2025 season, but Shanahan left the door open for a McCaffrey return if the team, which is currently 5-7, makes an unlikely playoff run.

“I just feel for him,” Shanahan added. “It was a real frustrating year for him. He worked his ass off to get back to this point and I think he was really feeling good and about to take off. He just had that real unfortunate injury last night. I know he’s as crushed as anyone, but he’ll get through this. He’s a hell of a player, a hell of a person and an unbelievable 49er. And he’ll be back stronger than ever next year to help us.”

McCaffrey wrote that this simply wasn’t his year. He didn’t make his season debut until Week 10 after battling a calf and achilles injury, meaning he will end the 2024 regular season with only four games played. He remains under contract with San Francisco through the 2027 season.

“That’s life and that’s football,” McCaffrey continued. “It’s a constant test of wills and those who just keep going tend to reap the benefits of their perseverance. This wasn’t my year, and sometimes when it rains, it pours. You can feel sorry for yourself and listen to the birds, or you can hold the line.”

McCaffrey ended his post by thanking his audience for their support.

“I’m grateful for the support of everyone in my corner and promise I’ll work smarter and harder than ever to come back better from this,” he concluded. “I love my teammates, I love the 9ers, and I love football. God doesn’t miss. Onward.”

The running back’s teammates, opponents and fans flocked to the comments to support him, including his wife, actress Olivia Culpo, who wrote, “I love you so much. So proud of you always.”

Actor and Detroit Lions fan Taylor Lautner added, “Well said stud,” and singer Zach Bryan, who is a Philadelphia Eagles fan, chimed in with, “we’re all here man, ain’t leavin and we love ya.”

Controversial Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker replied with “God’s Will be done,” and sports journalist Erin Andrews added a pair of heart emojis.