Christian McCaffrey reveals painful 49ers regret ahead of emotional first meeting with Panthers

Christian McCaffrey has become one of the NFL’s most effective running backs, when fit, in recent years with the San Francisco 49ers. His rise in the Bay Area was capped by being named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. But the Colorado native made his name with the Carolina Panthers, the very team he will face for the first time in his career in Monday Night Football in Week 12.

Although now synonymous with the 49ers, McCaffrey’s second and third best seasons, at least in statistical terms, came during his time in Charlotte. In 2019, his third year in the league, he recorded 19 touchdowns, six more than the previous season. Only in 2023, when he finished with 21 in his first full year with his current team, has he scored more.

McCaffrey’s regret about Panthers departure

Speaking to reporters ahead of his first game against his former team, McCaffrey spoke fondly of his five and a half years in North Carolina and also revealed his regret about how his time there ended.

The 49ers star, in case you had forgotten, was traded to San Francisco midseason. He played the first six games of the 2022 campaign with the Panthers before leaving on Oct. 20, which was a Thursday.

In an effort to make an immediate debut for the 49ers that following weekend, McCaffrey left his old team in a hurry and never returned.

“One of the things that makes me sad looking back, I couldn’t say bye to any of my teammates,” the 29 year old explained. “I wish I could have just said bye to them. But I was on a flight at 7 a.m. on Friday, so it was a quick turnaround.”

The move that changed everything

McCaffrey went on to say that although leaving Charlotte was tough, the trade to San Francisco has worked out for the best on and off the field.

“Getting traded to San Francisco has opened my eyes to so much,” he continued. “It was a massive blessing… But it was also a bittersweet moment for me at the time. I loved Charlotte. I loved Carolina… I loved my teammates. I was a captain on that team. And so it’s weird when you get traded in the middle of the year.

“But when I look back on my journey and what’s transpired since then, I can’t help but look back and just be so grateful for the opportunity to come to San Fran and also call this place home.”

Week 12 stakes for the 49ers and Panthers

The 49ers, at 7-4, head into Week 12 in third place in the NFC West behind the Rams at 8-2 and the Seahawks at 7-3. The Panthers, at 6-5, sit second in the NFC South as they chase the Buccaneers, who are 6-4.

The game between the San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers takes place at Levi’s Stadium on Monday, Nov. 24 at 8:15 p.m. ET.

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