There’s something magnetic about Christian McCaffrey. Even off the field, he finds ways to command attention. Whether it’s his tenacity through injuries or his quiet moves behind the scenes, the guy never stops being part of the football world. So when McCaffrey recently dropped a subtle but telling message on Instagram, fans couldn’t help but wonder—what’s he excited about this time?

McCaffrey’s Instagram story sparked a buzz. The 49ers’ star running back shared his views on veteran NFLer Ryan Kalil’s latest venture. If you thought Kalil was just another retired NFL player enjoying the quiet life, think again. But what exactly had McCaffrey so hyped?

Kalil announced the launch of Osos Monterrey alongside NBA All-Star Blake Griffin. It’s a rebranded professional American football team in Mexico’s LFA. McCaffrey simply wrote, “Can’t wait,” tagging Kalil in his story. It was short but clear. McCaffrey is all in on this venture. Kalil’s caption for the announcement video emphasized the team’s goal… to elevate football in Mexico and inspire the next generation. McCaffrey shares a history with Kalil from their Carolina Panthers days. Hence, this project hits close to home for him. However, this move is more than just a business venture.

It’s about legacy. “Football has a deep history in Mexico… we’re excited to build on this passionate sports culture,” Kalil posted. He described the project as a way to stay connected to the game and unite international fans. There’s a passionate fanbase of over 30 million NFL enthusiasts in Mexico. And the LFA offers a unique growth opportunity. The addition of high-profile owners like Kalil and Griffin adds star power. But McCaffrey has more involvement in the project than mere vocal support.

McCaffrey is part of the athlete-led ownership group. It includes his former Panthers teammates Luke Kuechly, Greg Olsen, and Jonathan Stewart. It even includes 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Julius Peppers. Also in the group are former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera, TE George Kittle, and Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.

McCaffrey’s endorsement is particularly noteworthy as he continues his battle with injuries. While the 49ers’ hopes for a winning 2025 season rest on his recovery. Besides, his engagement in the broader football community signals his enduring passion for the sport. As Kalil said in the announcement, “Football isn’t just a game—for many of us, it’s defined who we are.” McCaffrey’s reaction suggests he couldn’t agree more.

The announcement video featured a polished rebrand and a nod to Monterrey’s Black Bears. And it went viral. “Osos” reflects resilience, strength, and grit—qualities Kalil believes mirror Monterrey’s identity. The project’s blend of community engagement and global vision offers something unique in today’s sports landscape for McCaffrey and other supporters. But what about McCaffrey’s injury and the 49ers project?

McCaffrey’s recovery updates paint a hopeful picture

Christian McCaffrey’s 2024 season was one marked by challenges and setbacks. He missed the first eight games due to Achilles tendinitis. Then the 49ers RB returned in November… only to face another hurdle—a PCL injury that sidelined him for the final five games. However, he has reassured fans that he is “progressing really well.” While he shared glimpses of his rehabilitation progress on social media. However, the journey back to form hasn’t been easy for McCaffrey.

He has been limited to just four games in 2024. In those, he recorded 348 scrimmage yards on 65 touches without a touchdown. However, McCaffrey’s recent comments highlight his resilience. And his determination to return stronger keeps the 49ers faithful hopeful after a 6-11 slump. “We’re trending in the right direction,” McCaffrey shared. “With available time now, we just want to respect that whole process.”

He also confirmed that his Achilles tendinitis is no longer a concern. Still, the 49ers face a delicate balancing act. McCaffrey has now missed 37 of his past 82 regular-season games. And ensuring his long-term health is paramount. His statement about focusing on being “100 percent as quick as possible” underscores the meticulous approach required for his recovery. Meanwhile, the 49ers would be re-evaluating their roster strategy as McCaffrey works toward a full recovery.

Injuries like McCaffrey’s underscore the need for depth. Younger players like Jordan Mason have stepped up admirably in his absence. HC Kyle Shanahan faces tough decisions in balancing McCaffrey’s recovery with the team’s immediate needs. The team’s broader approach to roster building will also play a key role. However, over-reliance on McCaffrey could undermine these efforts if his recovery faces further delays.

Ultimately, McCaffrey’s potential return to form could transform the 49ers’ prospects. Meanwhile, the LFA is Mexico’s premier professional football league. And Osos Monterrey is a championship-winning team from 2022. Under Kalil and Griffin’s leadership, the goal is to cement their place as the league’s flagship franchise. As Kalil put it, “This isn’t a passive investment. It’s about building something special and lasting.”