Christian McCaffrey's costly fumble in Super Bowl still weighs 'heavy' on 49ers' star, coach says

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is widely regarded as one of the best players in the NFL. He led the league in rushing yards in 2023 and played a key role in the Niners' run to Super Bowl LVIII.

McCaffrey's and the 49ers' opening drive in this past February's Super Bowl looked promising — until the star running back committed a costly turnover a few yards shy of the red zone.

The Kansas City Chiefs went on to defeat the 49ers in overtime, earning the right to the franchise's second consecutive Vince Lombardi Trophy. While more than three months have passed since the Super Bowl was played, the fumble appears to still weigh "heavy" on McCaffrey.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

49ers running backs coach Bobby Turner seems to understand McCaffery's apparent push to play as close to perfect whenever he is on the football field. But the veteran coach also knows the mistake has the potential to have long-term impacts on the ball carrier if it lingers on his mind.

JEROME BETTIS CONFIDENT STEELERS WILL BE 'TOP-TIER' TEAM OPPONENTS FEAR IN 2024

"I talked to him at the same time it happened when he came off the football field because you have to," Turner said, per NBC Sports. "You have to be able to let it go, but it’s one of those things you take personally because it’s very important to him. The ball is everything. He is carrying this whole organization — his