Christian McCaffrey Gets Primal in Latest Workout Video

If you thought Christian McCaffrey was taking it easy heading into his 10th NFL season, think again.

The 49ers running back is coming off an All-Pro year, where he silenced many doubters about his ability to handle a full workload without injury. He played all 17 games and set a career high in touches with 413.

Heading into his age 30 season, McCaffrey is looking to keep his body healthy enough to be the centerpiece of the 49ers offense once again. In a new workout video, he is shown doing some standard footwork drills, sprints, and even playing a little pickleball.

But what is really garnering attention are the unique drills he's doing in his backyard.

In an interview with Ian Rapoport, McCaffrey calls them "animal movements" used to improve flexibility, range of motion, and strength.

The first movement he does is a variation of a spiderman crawl, followed by some forward rolls. If you've ever taken a jiu-jitsu class, these are a common part of the warmup. In fact, McCaffrey states that he learned these exercises from a few UFC fighters years back.

The casual pickleball game he is playing is another way to stay in shape while keeping things fun. Cross training is a lost art with athletes, especially at the professional level. They stick with their sport and that's it. But there is a lot of evidence that shows training in other sports in the offseason can be beneficial.

McCaffrey is someone who has historically taken his strength and conditioning very seriously. You don't become one of the best running backs in the league, and stay that way, on accident. There have been so many running backs that have peaked and are irrelevant just a few years later. It's arguably the most brutal position because of all the contact that is taken.

With the addition of Mike Evans, the 49ers are clearly making a push toward another Super Bowl run. McCaffrey, the 2025 Comeback Player of the Year, is looking to keep the momentum going after a great year. If this video is any indication, he'll be prepared and ready to roll in week 1.

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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 11:02 AM.