Brock Purdy’s four-letter word for what makes MVP finalist Christian McCaffrey so special
Christian McCaffrey is officially one of the most valuable players in the NFL.
No one knows that better than San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, who's developed a strong relationship with a throwback running back who can do everything in the backfield and is at the core of the 49ers' run to this Sunday's NFC Championship Game.
The 49ers host Detroit on Sunday with a place in Super Bowl LVIII at stake.
On Thursday, McCAffrey and Purdy were both named as finalists for this year's MVP award. The winner will be announced on February 8 and McCAffrey is the most likely challenger to runaway favourite Lamar Jackson.
"He does everything that we ask to a T and he does it the best in the NFL," Purdy exclusively told talkSPORT. "Obviously, when you talk about a guy who changes the game and impacts your team, that's a guy who does everything for us."
But there's one attribute that separates McCaffrey and makes the 2024 Pro Bowler truly elite in a league filled with super-talented athletes.
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It's not McCaffrey's 1,459 rushing yards, 564 receiving yards or 21 total touchdowns this season.
It's a four-letter word that captures the seven-year veteran's intensity and resilience between the lines.
"His grit, his willingness to show guys that he's banged up and hurting but he's going back out there to help our team win, that's a guy who's one of the most valuable players," Purdy said. "And so he definitely gets us going."
McCaffrey missed San Francisco's regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams due a calf strain but has returned to bolster San Francisco's playoff run.
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No.23 scored to two touchdowns in last weekend's Divisional Round win over Green Bay.
Having been limited with frustrating injuries during his final seasons with the Carolina Panthers, the 5ft 11in running back has more than proved his mettle as a 49er.
McCaffey's devotion to his team has continued to impress Purdy, leaving Mr. Irrelevant in awe of a fierce runner and smooth pass catcher who continually sacrifices his body for San Francisco's greater good.
"I learn a lot from him," Purdy said. "I have all the confidence in the world in him. When he's on the field, we're a better team with him.
"That's what he means to us, that's what he means to me, and he's continued to get better and better throughout his career. I'm very thankful that I get to share the field with him."
McCaffrey, 27, was the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Stanford.
He displayed his pro versatility as a rookie, rushing for 435 yards while collecting 80 passes for 651 receiving yards.
A year two breakout set up future All Pro selections and annual Offensive Player of the Year votes for the most unique running back in the league.
The 49ers are a different and more dangerous team when McCaffrey is in uniform.
If San Francisco returns to the Super Bowl this season, McCaffrey's grit will be at the heart of an already memorable 49ers season.