Christian McCaffrey Calls Out Another Racial Stereotype

Christian McCaffrey, a second-generation football star wasn’t shy about pointing out some hypocrisies regarding the racial situation in his sport.

By now most of the common stereotypes in pro football have, understandably, been about the black athlete.  Among the more famous, or infamous was the fact that they didn’t have the “intelligence” to play the quarterback position at a high level.  Watching the likes of Doug Williams, Warren Moon and Randall Cunningham over the years has obviously put an end to that ridiculous notion.

However, Stanford star Christian McCaffrey wasn’t shy pointing out that he believes there’s a stigma going the other way towards white athletes in football

"“When you read about white athletes these days and white skill possession receivers specifically, one word you’ll always find is tough,” McCaffrey told the publication. “You’ll rarely see explosive, athletic, stuff like that. … You get a little bit upset: ‘I ran the same 40 as this guy, and you’re calling him … .’ People do the eye test and underestimate me, so I do play with a chip on my shoulder.”"

One can understand why the young running back is upset.  White players at that position are rare, and those of McCaffrey’s abilities aren’t likely to be taken seriously because of it.  This despite the fact he broke the all-purpose NCAA yardage record in 2015 with 3,864 yards.  That tops the iconic Barry Sanders, one of the most athletic and fastest running backs in NFL history.  Not bad company to keep.

He’s also got a point about this idea that skin color means little when it comes to athleticism and speed.  Four of the top five quarterbacks with the fastest 40-yard dash time at the scouting combine were white.  Daniel Braverman, a seventh round pick wide receiver of Chicago ran a 4.47 at his pro day.  There are plenty of other examples that put such a stereotype in question.

Perhaps it’s safer to say that what people see Christian McCaffrey do on the football field is enough to prove he’s a great athlete.  Skin color, as always, has nothing to do with it.