HIGHLANDS RANCH — Valor Christian High School honored one of its most iconic alumni on Friday night, retiring the jersey of NFL superstar and San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey in a ceremony that was as emotional as it was historic.

Before he was an All-American at Stanford. Before he was a top-10 NFL Draft pick. Before he became one of the most electrifying players in the NFL — Christian McCaffrey was already making noise on the football field as a high school phenom at Valor Christian.

Wearing No. 5, McCaffrey was nothing short of legendary during his time at Valor from 2010 to 2013. His resume? Four state championships. 8,845 all-purpose yards. 141 total touchdowns. And a reputation for doing it all — running, receiving, returning, and leading.

Breaking Down the Greatness

McCaffrey’s production at the high school level was almost mythical:

Rushing: 545 carries, 5,340 yards, 86 touchdowns Receiving: 144 receptions, 2,505 yards, 47 touchdowns Return Game: 886 total yards via kick and punt returns

Every time McCaffrey touched the football, the crowd held its breath. He wasn’t just the best player on the field — he was often the best athlete in the state, no matter the sport.

Valor Christian’s program, now a powerhouse in Colorado, was still building its legacy during McCaffrey’s era. He helped put the Eagles on the map, playing under the bright Friday night lights with the swagger of a future pro and the humility of a team-first player.

A Full-Circle Moment

Surrounded by family, former coaches, teammates, and fans, McCaffrey stood as his jersey was shown in front of a packed Valor crowd. The ceremony marked a full-circle moment for the McCaffrey family, which has deep roots in Colorado football. His father, Ed McCaffrey, won three Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos and served as Valor’s head coach after Christian’s departure.

“This school shaped me,” McCaffrey said during the ceremony. “Some of my favorite football memories were made right here. To have my jersey retired… it means the world to me.”

Legacy for the Next Generation

For today’s Valor players, seeing McCaffrey return is more than a ceremony. It’s a reminder of what’s possible.

“There’s not a kid in Colorado who hasn’t looked up to Christian,” “He’s the standard. And not just because of what he’s done in the NFL — it’s how he carried himself here. He worked harder than anyone.”

Beginning with the Carolina Panthers and now with the 49ers and a face of the league, McCaffrey’s impact on Colorado high school football remains unmatched. The retirement of his jersey is not just a Valor moment — it’s a state-wide tribute to one of the greatest prep careers ever witnessed.

No. 5 will never be worn again at Valor. Because legends don’t get replaced — they get remembered.