San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey recently returned to his high school as Valor retired his No 5 jersey in tribute to the NFL star that he has become.
McCaffrey went back to school with his pregnant wife, Olivia Culpo, for the occasion as he reflected on a journey that has seen him become one of the best running backs in the NFL.
His parents, Ed and Lisa, were also there for the ceremony that honored their son.
Reflecting on the event, the 28-year-old McCaffrey wrote on Instagram on Sunday: ‘Yesterday was an emotional honor for me.
‘This jersey represents all of the people who shaped me into the person I am today. I carry you with me in all that I do.’
But it was Culpo who seemed especially moved by the day. Sharing her own pictures from the event, she wrote about her husband: ‘Yesterday was emotional in the best way.
Christian MCaffrey and Olivia Culpo went to Valor high school for his jersey retirement
The San Francisco 49ers star was also joined by his proud parents for the event, Ed and Lisa
McCaffrey left Valor and became one of the finest running backs in the NFL
‘Watching Christian’s high school jersey get retired was a powerful, full-circle moment – one that reminded me of all the grit, sacrifice, and discipline he’s poured into this game from the very beginning.
‘I’ve seen you give every morsel of yourself to your craft — not for accolades, but because excellence matters to you.
‘You’re the hardest worker I know, not just because of what you do on the field, but because of who you are: a selfless teammate and a relentless pursuer of growth.
“I love you so much and I I couldn’t be prouder of you, and I’m so thankful to see you honored in a way that reflects every bit of heart and integrity you carry.
‘Here’s to honoring the past and to everything still ahead!!’.
Valor, meanwhile, wrote on social media about McCaffrey: ‘Valor Alum Christian McCaffrey (Class of 2014) returned to campus to be honored and have his Valor football jersey retired.
‘It was a fun community celebration for his family, fellow football alumni, current students and faculty!
‘Christian helped Valor win 4 football state championships. He also played basketball and ran track in his high school years.
But last season, McCaffrey endured a campaign badly hindered through injuries
McCaffrey suffered a torn PCL in the December 1 snow game against Buffalo Bills
‘After his college years at Stanford, Christian was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round, and five years later he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers, where he continues today.’
For McCaffrey, the honor comes as he prepares for a comeback season with his 49ers team.
After a stunning 2023 campaign that saw McCaffrey and the Niners reach the Super Bowl before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs, McCaffrey was blighted by injury issues in 2024.
After missing the start of the season with Achilles tendonitis, McCaffrey damaged his posterior cruciate ligament in his knee in a December 1 snow game against Buffalo Bills.
He had played four games with the Niners before getting hurt in Buffalo and didn’t return again in the season as his team failed to make the playoffs.
