Christian McCaffrey returns to high school alma mater for jersey retirement ceremony

Christian McCaffrey is gearing up for his ninth NFL season and third full year with the San Francisco 49ers. While he is among the league’s best running backs, he will be coming off a season-ending PCL injury on his right knee.

Returning to his high school alma mater could inspire McCaffrey to have another fantastic season. However, it wasn’t just a typical visit because Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, retired his Eagles jersey.

The football team’s official account on X/Twitter shared photos from the jersey retirement ceremony. Joining the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year are his parents, especially former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey. Christian McCaffrey’s wife, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, was also in attendance. Some of the younger McCaffrey’s high school football teammates graced the ceremony.

For the first time in Valor history, we are beyond proud to retire jersey #5 in honor of Christian McCaffrey and all that he has accomplished on and off the field! Christian is the epitome of pursuing excellence through Christ. Congratulations, Christian!! #govalor pic.twitter.com/3zGIpiooRz

— Valor Christian Football (@GoValorFootball) April 5, 2025

No other Valor Christian football player can wear McCaffrey’s No. 5 jersey. It’s a fitting honor for the athlete who represented the Eagles for three years. In addition to playing running back, he also played cornerback, punter, and wide receiver.

By the time he finished high school, he held state records in touchdowns (141) and all-purpose yards (8,845). Those numbers helped him win the Gatorade Colorado Football Player of the Year award twice (2012 and 2013). In addition to football, Christian McCaffrey also competed in basketball and athletics.

After playing high school football, McCaffrey represented Stanford for three seasons, playing under coach David Shaw. During his stay with the Cardinals, he became a Unanimous All-American and an AP College Football Player of the Year winner.

Then, the Carolina Panthers selected him eighth overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, the Panthers traded him to the 49ers during the 2022 season. As of 2024, Christian McCaffrey has three First-Team All-Pro selections and three Pro Bowl nods. Likewise, he’s only one of three NFL players to have 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a season.