SANTA CLARA — Christian McCaffrey’s offensive teammates were euphoric when they arrived in the locker room after practice and found his Christmas gifts to them: a custom golf bag, a certificate for fitted golf clubs, and a bottle of tequila.
“I figured they needed a pair of clubs, and to get fitted for them, too, and be able to have a set that works, I don’t know if that will do anything, but it might give everybody a little false confidence,” McCaffrey said Friday.
Add gift giver to one more thing on McCaffrey’s 2023 accomplishments, which include a NFL-leading 1,292 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns for the NFC-leading 49ers (11-3).
“I needed some,” quarterback Brock Purdy said of the golf clubs. “Shout out, Christian. Thank you.”
Purdy’s repeatedly stated over the past week that McCaffrey should be the 49ers’ leading candidate over him as the NFL’s MVP, although that race could swing on Monday’s result when Lamar Jackson leads the Ravens (11-3) into Levi’s Stadium.
Seeing how Purdy is on a rookie deal paying an $870,000 salary this year, he was pleased his offensive teammates got a generous holiday gift from McCaffrey, a seventh-year pro who’s earned over $50 million.
“Financially I wouldn’t be able to cover that right now,” Purdy said, smiling. ” Shout out to him. Everyone loved it. So, thank you, Christian.”
For left tackle Trent Williams, it’s his fourth set of clubs since taking up golf last summer while playing with McCaffrey, coach Kyle Shanahan and others in Cabo San Lucas. Whereas some quarterbacks around the NFL recently bestowed golf carts or all-terrain vehicles to their offensive linemen, Williams noted that the set of PXG clubs might cost the equivalent.
“You don’t have to do that. It’s a really cool gift to get for the whole offense,” tight end George Kittle said. “It’s really fun to be a part of the team that has guys willing to do that and go out of their way. It’s a pretty cool gift for Christian to get for everybody. Especially fitted clubs? That’s awesome.”
After McCaffrey’s interview session with reporters at his locker, running back Jordan Mason came up to hug McCaffrey in appreciation of the gift.
As for McCaffrey’s golfing ability, he said: “I’m alright. I feel I’m like everybody else. A couple good shots. More bad than good. I just enjoy going out there and having a good time.”
On the football grass, McCaffrey’s contributions have been way better than par.
“He does it all,” Purdy said. “He’s the reason why our pass game and our play-action pass opened up, because he sets a standard with the run game. When we do pass the ball, he’s there, catches the ball, makes guys miss, and can go up against safeties and linebackers and make them miss.
“He scores touchdowns. His stats are crazy. He’s definitely a valued player, and I think the most valued player.”