Elijah Mitchell Praises Christian McCaffrey After Joint Practice: 'He's Still the Standard'

Santa Clara, CA – May 30, 2025

During the 49ers' first joint practice session of the offseason with the Los Angeles Chargers, running back Elijah Mitchell took a moment to praise the man who once redefined the position in San Francisco — Christian McCaffrey.

After a 2024 season that saw McCaffrey struggle with injuries and Mitchell stepping up as a reliable backfield option, there were whispers that the torch may soon pass. But if anyone thought a changing of the guard was underway, Mitchell made it clear: the standard is still very much intact.

"He’s still the one we all look up to," Mitchell told reporters. "Even when he’s not at 100%, Christian’s work ethic, focus, and the way he sees the field — it’s on another level."

The appreciation didn’t go unnoticed. After practice, McCaffrey gifted Mitchell a limited-edition “CMC Legacy” arm sleeve — a nod to the iconic all-white gear McCaffrey wore during his 2023 All-Pro campaign. Emblazoned with the phrase “Earn Every Yard”, it served as both a symbol of respect and a message of mentorship.

In practice, both running backs impressed. McCaffrey broke off a smooth 35-yard run during red-zone drills, slipping past three defenders with his signature patience and burst. Mitchell later bulldozed his way into the end zone during goal-line work, drawing cheers from the sideline.

"We feed off each other," said Mitchell. "There’s no ego in that room. Just competition, respect, and a shared mission — get back to the Super Bowl."

Fans quickly took to social media, dubbing the duo “The Bay Backfield”, with one fan tweeting, “If CMC is lightning, Mitchell’s the thunder. NFC better be ready.”

With a healthy backfield and the energy between these two backs surging, the 49ers are looking more balanced — and more dangerous — than ever before.