Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey reveals how New York Jets running back Le’Veon Bell offered him advice in college.
New York Jets running back Le’Veon Bell and Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey share a special bond. Their connection extends all the way back to McCaffrey’s time at Stanford.
Speaking with NBC Sports’ Peter King on his podcast, McCaffrey revealed the then-Steelers running back reached out to him personally. McCaffrey noted that when he was at Stanford, Le’Veon wanted to offer advice whenever he was able to.
“When I’m a sophomore in college — freshman, sophomore — and someone like that reaches out to you, it definitely means a lot,” the Carolina Panthers running back said.
Bell will be entering his seventh season in 2019. Well, six if you don’t count him sitting out the entire 2018 season. McCaffrey, on the other hand, is entering his third year, all with Carolina. He’ll be looking to build off of his 2018 season which saw him make the AP All-Pro second team.
In the process of becoming a top running back, McCaffrey can definitely look up to someone like Bell.
“I think that’s one of those guys who does such a good job setting up his blocks and letting them develop before the play happens,” McCaffrey said of Bell. “Lot you can take from him.”
Bell and McCaffrey both fit the mold of what every NFL running back should strive for. The versatility of the two allows them to be dynamic threats in the run game, as a pass catcher, and as a blocker.