Running back Kaelon Black knows he landed in a great situation when the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He now has the opportunity to learn from one of the best players in the game and one of the NFL's most versatile running backs, Christian McCaffrey.
Black joined Richard Sherman on the former NFL cornerback's podcast and opened up about what it has meant to share a running back room with McCaffrey.
"It's been great learning from guys like CMC," Black told Sherman, who played for the 49ers from 2018 through 2020. "He's never shied away from trying to give [insight into the] game on certain scenarios, certain plays. You know the system. You were here, so you know it's a lot going on.
"So, he's definitely been one of the guys that helped me out, along with all the other running backs as well. It's one of those things where you come in as a rookie, you try your best to find someone that's going to help you out the most, and CMC has always been that guy for me."
Kaelon Black praises Brock Purdy
Black went from having Fernando Mendoza as his quarterback at Indiana to playing alongside Brock Purdy with the 49ers. Mendoza was selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, while Purdy took a very different path into the league. San Francisco selected Purdy with the final pick, No. 262 overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft.
That hasn't stopped Purdy from carving out an impressive NFL career and establishing himself as the 49ers' franchise quarterback.
"He's so smart," Black said of Purdy. "When he's out there on that field, he's going to know the ins and outs of everything, and he doesn't like mistakes at all. But he's also one of those guys who is just so detailed and so focused, and I love being out there with him.
"You know, it's that comfortability, really, with him, and all the other quarterbacks as well. You can tell they're coached well, and Coach [Kyle] Shanahan expects nothing less."
Kaelon Black in awe of Trent Williams and Fred Warner
Black admitted that he was a bit starstruck when he first met McCaffrey. After all, McCaffrey was one of the players Black watched throughout his career, dating back to his days watching McCaffrey's Stanford highlights.
However, another player Black still can't believe he gets to play alongside is left tackle Trent Williams. His admiration for the offensive lineman goes way back, too.
"Trent Williams, I ain't realize he was that big," Black told Sherman. "And also, growing up, I was a Washington fan, so he was on Washington. I was like in third, fourth grade. Now, I'm in my first year in the league, and we're on the same team, so it was real eye-opening to me."
Then there's star linebacker Fred Warner, another player widely regarded as one of the best at his position. The difference is that Black has to go against Warner in practice.
"He's different," Black said. "I told him—I'm pretty sure yesterday—I'm like, 'Yo, it's different seeing you out there, practicing.' But then, in the game, it's like a whole different mode. You watch the plays where he's just diving in the air, making tackles, with no stability in his feet, and he's just out there doing anything. And it's fun to see."
Kaelon Black loves playing for Kyle Shanahan
Black also shared his thoughts on his new head coach, Kyle Shanahan, widely considered one of the best offensive minds in football. The running back praised his coach's attention to detail and ability to explain the game.
"I love Kyle," Black said. "He is so detailed, and he explains everything so well. He goes defense-wise and offense-wise, but the way he explains defense is almost like he's a defensive coordinator. You wouldn't even expect him to really sound the way he does when he explains it, but it's just like, hey, that's my coach. You like that."
Kaelon Black reveals goal for the 2026 season
Black has set a lofty goal for his rookie season. However, it's the same goal shared by everyone inside the 49ers' practice facility in Santa Clara.
"My goals, honestly, I want a Super Bowl," Black said. "But we've got to take that one week at a time, one day at a time, one practice at a time. But honestly, that's my goal. I want to win.
"I want to contribute in the best way that I can, and just improve my love for the game of ball. And just continue to be me, pick up some things along the way, because, of course, I'm not perfect, but I just want to be the best that I can be at all times."
More info on: Kaelon Black, Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy, Fred Warner, Trent Williams
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