49ers’ Christian McCaffrey returns to the end zone, joins elite NFL company

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey found the end zone for the first time since 2023, hauling in a touchdown pass from quarterback Mac Jones during Sunday's 26-21 win over the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. The score came just before halftime, helping the 49ers move to 2-0 on the season.

The touchdown wasn't just big for the game—it was historic. McCaffrey became only the third player in NFL history to record 50 career rushing touchdowns and 30 career receiving touchdowns, joining Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk and Lenny Moore in that exclusive club.

McCaffrey admitted he wasn't even aware of the milestone until a reporter mentioned it postgame.

"Cool. I did not know that. That's awesome," McCaffrey said.

A crucial drive before halftime

The touchdown capped a critical two-minute drive that gave San Francisco momentum heading into the break. For McCaffrey, it also underscored the impact of the team's many newcomers following an offseason roster overhaul—a supporting cast that will be depended on all season.

"That was a huge drive," McCaffrey said. "Our offense is complicated, and the two-minute can be complicated, too, so for new guys all over the field to come in and execute that way, that was really cool. And I'll have to go back and look at the tape because sometimes you forget what new guys were in there. But a guy like Kendrick Bourne, who just recently got here, obviously, Mac stepping up on the first play.

"We had a new guy at left guard, new guys all over the field, who, when they come in, you can execute, that's rare. That doesn't happen everywhere."

First touchdown since 2023

McCaffrey's last touchdown came during the 2023 season. He spent much of last season battling injuries and appeared in just four games. Obviously, getting back into the end zone meant a lot to him.

"I'd love to get there a lot more," McCaffrey admitted. "But no, I'm just so happy to be playing on this team and feeling good. We'll continue to get better and grow and get ready for next week."

McCaffrey finished the game with 61 scrimmage yards and the score. Still, he emphasized a team-first mentality, with personal stats and the historic achievement taking a backseat to winning their second game of the season.

"It's an awesome win," McCaffrey said. "Anytime you get a win in the NFL, it's awesome. We were obviously down a lot of guys, had some adversity come up, but offense, defense, special teams, to close that game out the way we did was awesome.

"I think there's obviously always room for improvement, but overall, the win column, being 2-0 right now, is awesome, so heading back on that plane will feel much better."

Setting the standard for a young roster

As one of San Francisco's veteran leaders, McCaffrey knows the importance of setting an example for the team's younger players and new additions. Instilling the 49ers' winning mentality started during the offseason.

"Our team plays and practices with a really high standard, and I think the way we prepare during camp has a lot to do with that," McCaffrey said. "And guys don't take plays off. And I think when you look at some of our guys who are big-name guys, they're some of the hardest workers on a team, and they do a really good job setting the standard. So, when a young guy or backup does come in, there's not a drop-off, and we just like playing one way."

With McCaffrey healthy, Jones showing poise under center, and the 49ers starting 2-0, San Francisco looks poised to continue its strong start to the 2025 season.