Everyone needs a hype man in their corner as passionate as Christian McCaffrey, and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has just that.

The 49ers’ star running back went on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd on Wednesday to discuss Darnold’s amazing career turnaround.

“I’ve had two stints with him, McCaffrey explained to Cowherd. “I remember when people asked me about Sam, I’d always known him a little bit. But when I first met him in Carolina, from the jump … ‘This guy’s a dude.'”

In 18 games with the Panthers, Darnold threw 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions and posted a 77.3 quarterback rating.

Still, McCaffrey saw something in the journeyman that few others did.

“The more and more you see him at practice,” McCaffrey continued, “you see the throws he makes, you understand why he’s a top pick in the draft. I think so many times you see quarterbacks who start out in bad situations and get the blame for it.”

Darnold, whom the New York Jets selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, certainly received a lot of the blame for his previous team’s woes. The trajectory of his career, however, was turned upside down after one year under 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.

“When you’re around [Darnold] more”, McCaffrey explained, ‘you’re like ‘This is one of the best players I’ve ever been around — period.’ It’s because of how talented his arm is; he’s way more athletic than people give him credit for. He’s really good at taking what’s given to him and doing his job.”

Darnold was a great backup to San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy during the 2023 season, which ultimately led him to another quarterback-friendly offense with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.

“To be frank, he’s gone through so much in this league,” McCaffrey continued. “He showed up every day, and he kept working. Even last year, taking Minnesota to a 14-win season and taking them to the playoffs. Doing it again this year and playing in the Super Bowl, it’s a testament to his resiliency, the type of guy he is, and the player he is.”

In 2025, Darnold had over 4,000 yards passing for a second consecutive season. But his play on the field isn’t the only thing that makes him great, according to McCaffrey.

“He’s somebody that I can’t say enough good things about,” McCaffrey concluded. “He shows up every day with an unbelievable attitude. Never makes excuses, never complains about anything. He’s one of my best friends and just an incredible player.

McCaffrey’s good buddy is returning to 49ers territory Sunday, hoping to win Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots on familiar ground at Levi’s Stadium.

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