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.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Christian McCaffrey misses top-3 RB ranking as NFC exec raises decline concerns
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler kicked off his annual NFL position rankings on Monday by unveiling the league's top running backs. The rankings are based on feedback from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, reflecting the league's top players entering the 2026 season rather than their... -
Watch: 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey's offseason workout routine
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is ramping up his preparation for training camp. He and the team's veterans are scheduled to report to Santa Clara on Saturday, July 25, with the first practice set for the following day. As anticipation builds for the 2026... -
49ers QB Brock Purdy returns to NFL Top 100 after one-year absence
The NFL has begun unveiling its NFL Top 100 Players of 2026, and San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy landed at No. 85. The ranking marks Purdy's return to the annual list after a one-year absence, although it's a notable drop from his career-high No. 28 ranking in... -
49ers insider: Brandon Aiyuk may have played his final NFL game
Brandon Aiyuk has significantly damaged his reputation with a series of social media rants targeting the San Francisco 49ers, his former agent, and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). While the disgruntled wide receiver has repeatedly expressed his desire to be released and...