Christian McCaffrey has ended his college football career prematurely in order to build a brighter future for himself in the sport.
The Stanford University running back announced Monday on Twitter that he’ll sit out the Sun Bowl in order to prepare for the 2017 NFL Draft. Stanford (9-3) will face the University of North Carolina (8-4) on Dec. 30 without its biggest offensive weapon.
— Christian McCaffrey (@CMC_22) December 19, 2016
Earlier this month, McCaffrey declared for the draft, but most expected him to play in the Sun Bowl.
Some have criticized McCaffrey’s decision.
Of course this move will be applauded by most because we live in "me first" culture now. The days of playing for your team sadly going away.
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) December 19, 2016
"I don't agree with this. It sets a bad examples for the kids."
– Donovan McNabb on Christian McCaffrey's decision to sit out the Sun Bowl pic.twitter.com/Gg19pBZp6a
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) December 19, 2016
Others are defending the Stanford star.
Calling Christian McCaffrey a quitter for skipping an exhibition game to prepare for his career is the height of just not getting it.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) December 19, 2016
Want Christian McCaffrey to put his college team in front of his career potential? Pay him a share of the millions a bowl system generates.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) December 19, 2016
Sun Bowl Executive Director Bernie Olivas on Christian McCaffrey: "He's just looking out for his future. You can't blame him for that."
— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) December 19, 2016
Despite leading the nation in all-purpose yards in the last two years, McCaffrey apparently hopes to improve his draft stock through training rather than showcasing his considerable talent one last time.
MacCaffrey joins Lousiana State’s Leonard Fournette among college football stars who have chosen to sit out postseason bowl games for the sake of their (NFL) futures. Fournette will skip the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31 between LSU and Louisville.
We won’t know how their decisions will affect their respective draft stocks until next year, but other college standouts undoubtedly will follow their stories closely.
Meanwhile, college football’s postseason risks losing luster, with the biggest names sitting out the biggest games.
Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
