Christian McCaffrey will not be taking part in in Sunday's Tremendous Bowl.
No less than not Belvidere's Christian McCaffrey.
However you may see him on the TV display.
McCaffrey is featured in a nationwide Tremendous Bowl LVIII advert as a result of he shares the identical identify because the San Francisco 49ers operating again who will play Sunday towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
“I had the identify first,” mentioned McCaffrey of Belvidere, who at 29 is 2 years older than the soccer participant. “That's been my operating joke for years.
McCaffrey was chosen to star within the 45-second Xfinity spot from a subject of six folks from throughout the US who’ve the identical participant identify. Second star? San Francisco's Christian McCaffrey, in fact.
“They went to his home proper after (the 49ers) gained the NFC Championship to shoot his a part of the business,” McCaffrey mentioned. “I really filmed my position earlier than the championship.
The advert showcases Belvidere McCaffrey's soccer prowess, or lack thereof, as All-Professional McCaffrey tasks feedback like, “That's not good” and “That's going to go away a mark.”
Xfinity tells viewers that “not all Christian McCaffreys are the identical, identical to not all ISPs are the identical.”
And Xfinity guarantees to ship “actual pace, reliability and efficiency,” identical to Christian McCaffrey, the athlete.
The advert options McCaffrey, of Belvidere, as a restaurant supervisor who “makes tacos.” In actual life, he works with youngsters and adults with disabilities.
Not solely does he have the identical identify because the footballer, however he’s additionally a long-time fan.
“I've watched him since he was at Stanford after which the Panthers,” he mentioned.
McCaffrey didn't meet the opposite McCaffrey whereas filming the business, however he did get a private message from the speedy again.
“You have got a hell of a reputation,” says the footballer in a brief thanks. “I recognize you being within the business with me.
McCaffrey was paid for his time, however didn’t disclose how a lot. He mentioned the expertise is one thing he’ll cherish eternally.
“It's surreal,” he mentioned. “They're promoting my Fb and folks I don't even know are messaging me from all around the US. The advert is on each social media platform.”
The 49ers will tackle the Chiefs in Las Vegas on Sunday for the Tremendous Bowl title. Whereas the sport is a Tremendous Bowl LIV rematch for the group, it’s Christian McCaffrey's first look.
Jim Hagerty writes about enterprise, development and growth and different normal information matters for the Rockford Register Star. Electronic mail him at jhagerty@gannett.com.
