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By Reice Shipley
Contributing Sports Writer
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San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey is set to return to Charlotte to play the Carolina Panthers for the first time since being dealt by the organization that drafted him in 2022. Prior to the matchup, McCaffrey shared some major praise for one of his promising former teammates, who has grown tremendously since the two played together.
Panthers star cornerback Jaycee Horn was in just his second season in the NFL when McCaffrey was dealt to San Francisco. Although it essentially served as a rookie season after Horn only appeared in three games during his actual rookie year.
At the time, Horn was a promising player who was still looking to prove himself at the NFL level. Horn has since done just that, reaching a Pro Bowl for the first time in his career in 2024.
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The 2025 season has perhaps been his best year to date, with three interceptions thus far. In all likelihood, Horn will likely again be a Pro Bowler this season and may even vie for an All-Pro selection if his impressive play continues.
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McCaffrey has seemingly taken notice of the strides that Horn has made thus far, calling him a future Hall of Famer when his career is all said and done, according to ESPN Panthers reporter David Newton.
Just five years into his NFL career, some may think that it's a bit too early to be preparing Horn's plaque in Canton. While that may be true, it just goes to show the kind of respect that McCaffrey has for his former teammate.
Earlier this week, McCaffrey further outlined the kind of respect he has for Horn, outlining how his former teammate has proven to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
"He doesn't get enough credit," said McCaffrey. "He's one of the best corners I have seen up close and in person. He's another guy that has everything you could want in a corner. But my favorite thing about him is his mindset. The energy and intensity he brings to the field."
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Despite all of the pregame pleasantries between McCaffrey and Horn, the two will certainly be going all out against one another in a game that could have a drastic effect on the NFC playoff picture.
With a win, the Panthers would hold a tiebreaker over the 49ers for the final Wild Card spot in the conference. So it is safe to say that Horn and company are looking to ruin McCaffrey's return to Charlotte and further cement themselves as NFC contenders.
For more on the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, and all things around the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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