Bijan Robinson and Christian McCaffrey Forge Training Bond

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has developed a competitive and collaborative relationship with San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey. The two players trained together this offseason in Los Angeles, where Robinson aimed to emulate McCaffrey’s versatile playing style. Their intense training sessions included recovery techniques that McCaffrey is renowned for, allowing both athletes to enhance their performance ahead of the upcoming NFL season.

Robinson, who broke out in his second NFL season, finished fourth in the league with 1,887 yards from scrimmage and third in rushing yards with 1,456 yards. His impressive tally of 14 rushing touchdowns was among the highest in the league. Meanwhile, McCaffrey, now in his ninth professional season, has a track record of success despite facing injuries last year, including issues with his Achilles and a right PCL injury. He has previously led the league in scrimmage yards twice.

During their time together in June and July, Robinson and McCaffrey engaged in workouts and recovery routines, often with the help of McCaffrey’s brother, Luke McCaffrey, who plays as a wide receiver for the Washington Commanders. They trained under the guidance of Randy Huntington, a respected track and field coach, allowing them to exchange valuable knowledge on training techniques.

Robinson expressed his appreciation for McCaffrey’s insights, stating, “It was great, me and him just giving each other so many tips and just feeding off the knowledge from each other on the field.” He highlighted how their collaboration focused on refining each other’s skills and learning nuanced moves that benefit their gameplay.

One significant takeaway for Robinson was McCaffrey’s emphasis on recovery. “It’s only right to want to make sure your body is at top-tier shape before you go on the field,” Robinson remarked. He noted their use of a new form of red-light therapy in an elevation chamber known as Stratosphere ATC, which allows athletes to train at high altitudes without leaving the ground. This innovative technology has been developed by former Hollywood stuntman Bobby Williams, in collaboration with Dr. Bruce Johnson from the Mayo Clinic.

The Stratosphere chamber aims to boost levels of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which is crucial for red blood cell production, and enhance VO2 max for improved lung capacity. Robinson described the experience, saying, “We were 18,000 feet in the air, but we were in a machine. It was just very good for my body.”

Williams emphasized the chamber’s dual purpose for both training and recovery, explaining that it acts like a “cellular massage.” He believes that the Stratosphere will eventually become a staple in NFL facilities, with Robinson already advocating for its inclusion at the Falcons.

Both players recognize the importance of pushing each other to excel. McCaffrey noted, “We just try to take every little ounce [of advantage], and if you can find an edge, we do it.” Their competitive spirit drives them to outdo one another while supporting their individual growth.

As the NFL season approaches, Robinson and McCaffrey will face off in Week 7 on October 19, 2023, during a highly anticipated matchup. Despite the competitive nature of the league, Robinson considers McCaffrey a mentor and expressed gratitude for their shared training experience, saying, “Having McCaffrey be a brother to me is really cool, and I can learn all the cool things that he has done on the field, and vice versa.”

The bond formed between these two elite athletes exemplifies the collaborative spirit present in professional sports, underscoring the importance of mentorship and shared knowledge in pursuit of excellence.