When the San Francisco 49ers lost Super Bowl LVIII to the Kansas City Chiefs, they had high hopes and expectations of playing in the big game after the 2024 season. Unfortunately, that was not meant to be.
The 49ers had a miserable 2024 season. They went 6-11, placed fourth in the NFC West, and entirely missed the playoffs. A big part of their struggle was that star running back Christian McCaffrey missed most of the season, first with an Achilles injury and then with a PCL injury.
The franchise hopes he bounces back better than ever, after all he has done so in the past. Now, one of McCaffrey’s biggest cheerleaders is making some confident predictions.
Christian McCaffrey’s Dad Drops Incredible Prediction About 2025 Season
While the 49ers hope to get McCaffrey back at full strength, their roster has other questionable holes. They lost a lot of talent during the 2025 offseason.
That includes trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. This was an interesting decision considering their WR1, Brandon Aiyuk, suffered a season-ending knee injury and is still listed as questionable. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said recently he is hopeful that Aiyuk will be able to return by Week 1.
However, he wasn’t their only loss; running back Jordan Mason was traded to the Minnesota Vikings. Several players left in free agency, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, who both signed with the Denver Broncos. Cornerback Chavarious Ward is with the Indianapolis Colts, and defensive end Javon Hargrave went to the Vikings.
Other notable losses include Leonard Floys, Aaron Banks, and Jaylon Moore. Despite those holes, McCaffrey’s father made a bold statement in a recent interview with Bet Ideas.
“The roster as it stands right now is loaded,” said former NFL player and father of Christian, Ed McCaffrey.
2024 was their second non-playoff season since 2019, and Ed expects his son and the team to return at full strength.
Christian Given High Praise By Father Ed
It’s no surprise that Ed McCaffery is proud of his son and the career he is carving out for himself. In the interview, he said that he doesn’t really have to give much advice; Christian loves training and working hard.
Look at #49ers Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey putting in the work 💪
🎥 @49ers
pic.twitter.com/Vh9d7qSit8— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners)
That determination, motivation, and natural talents are a big part of why Ed calls Christian the best of his kind.
“We were talking about a processor with quarterbacks, he processes probably better than any running back that’s ever played the game. He’s the best receiving running back out of the backfield that’s ever played the game — that’s just a fact,” bragged Ed of his son’s progression in the NFL.
In his mind, Christian plays two positions—wide receiver and running back—and both very well.
In his eight seasons in the league, the first six with the Carolina Panthers, McCaffrey has been named to three Pro Bowls and is a five-time All-Pro. The 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year was also the league’s rushing leader that year with 1,459 yards.
It remains to be seen if McCaffrey will be back at 100% when Week 1 comes and if the 49ers will have done enough to fill all their roster holes.