Santa Clara, CA – The San Francisco 49ers were missing a familiar face at practice today, but it wasn’t due to injury or rest. Star running back Christian McCaffrey was held out after making a life-saving decision for his family.
McCaffrey, who has been the centerpiece of the 49ers’ offense through the first six weeks of the 2025 season, donated blood earlier this week to aid his mother’s recovery following a major heart surgery. The act forced him to skip today’s team session as he recovers, but it also revealed the depth of his commitment beyond football.
The All-Pro running back has continued to be one of the league’s most consistent performers. According to team stats, McCaffrey has appeared in 6 games, recording 612 total yards and 5 touchdowns
, including a receiving score in Week 6 vs. the Buccaneers — one of the few bright moments in San Francisco’s 27–20 loss.
Though the 49ers’ offense struggled in Tampa, McCaffrey’s energy and leadership remained evident on and off the field. Coaches praised his toughness, professionalism, and willingness to do “whatever it takes” for both his teammates and his family.
Now, his off-field sacrifice is making headlines. Sources close to the family confirmed that McCaffrey stepped up to donate blood directly to support his mother’s heart surgery. The gesture has been described by those close to the situation as both
selfless and heroic.
The 49ers listed him as Did Not Participate in today’s practice report, but head coach Kyle Shanahan is not concerned about his availability moving forward. More importantly, the organization and locker room rallied around McCaffrey for his family-first decision.
Fans flooded social media with support after the story surfaced, with many calling him a “true 49er” for putting family and love above the game. In a city that values heart, heritage, and resilience, McCaffrey’s sacrifice resonated deeply.
For Christian McCaffrey, the stat lines only tell part of the story. He’s proving himself not just as one of the NFL’s premier players, but as a son who would give of himself — literally — when his family needed him most.
