Christian McCaffrey ‘forever grateful’ for time with Panthers

In a bit of a surprising move the Carolina Panthers chose to move star running back Christian McCaffrey in a trade to the San Francisco 49ers.

McCaffrey spent the first five-plus season with the Panthers, where he established himself as arguably one of the game’s best talents. Following the move, the 26-year-old voiced his appreciation for the support and his time with the franchise.

“I’m forever grateful for all of the people who have helped make these past 5 1/2 years so special for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” McCaffrey wrote via Pro Football Talk. “Carolina, I will always love you.”

Read: Ravens Trying Too Hard To Close Games, Says Marlon Humphrey 

McCaffrey didn’t accomplish any sustained team success in Carolina, but he earned the reputation as one of arguably the game’s top all-around running back. He put forth stellar back-to-back campaigns in 2018 and 2019, where he rushed for at least 1,000 yards and garnered more than 100 receptions.

It saw him set the NFL single-season record with 116 receptions, and become the only running back to have multiple campaigns with 100 or more catches. He’s also the first player to record 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in the first 10 games of a season.

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McCaffrey is also only the third player to notch at least 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. He now holds an opportunity to help elevate the 49ers to playoff contention as they sit atop the NFC West heading into Week 7 action.

McCaffrey will likely see the field in Week 8 against the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.