Bijan Robinson and Christian McCaffrey Forge Competitive Training Bond
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has developed a training partnership with San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey, marking an exciting step in his professional growth. During the off-season, Robinson spent nearly a month training with McCaffrey in the Los Angeles area, where they focused on workouts and recovery techniques.
The duo was joined by McCaffrey’s brother, Luke McCaffrey, a wide receiver for the Washington Commanders. Their training sessions were guided by renowned track coach Randy Huntington, who has gained recognition for his expertise in athletic performance. Robinson expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, 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.”
Robinson’s performance last season was impressive, as he ranked fourth in the league with 1,887 yards from scrimmage and third in rushing yards with 1,456 yards. His 14 rushing touchdowns placed him among the top scorers. Meanwhile, McCaffrey, who has faced injury challenges, has previously led the league in scrimmage yards and has a notable track record, including four seasons surpassing 1,000 rushing yards.
One key aspect Robinson learned from McCaffrey was the importance of recovery. “It’s only right to want to make sure your body is in top-tier shape before you go on the field,” Robinson noted. He highlighted their use of a new form of red-light therapy in an elevation chamber called Stratosphere ATC. The innovative chamber, developed by former stuntman Bobby Williams with insights from Dr. Bruce Johnson of the Mayo Clinic, simulates high-altitude training, which is recognized for its benefits in enhancing athletic performance.
According to Williams, training in the Stratosphere can increase levels of erythropoietin (EPO) and VO2 max, which are crucial for red blood cell production and lung capacity. Robinson praised the chamber’s effects, stating, “It gets rid of all inflammation right away,” likening the experience to a “cellular massage.”
The Stratosphere, based in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, was only introduced to the market last year, with the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas as its first buyer. Williams envisions that this technology will soon be commonplace in NFL facilities, with Robinson already advocating for the Falcons to acquire one.
Both athletes aim to gain a competitive edge through their training. McCaffrey commented on their dynamic, saying, “They were just trying to outdo each other on the power and the velocity of the training.” Their competitive spirit was evident, but the mutual support remained strong. “They would tell each other each other’s secrets, so it would better them,” Williams explained.
McCaffrey described Robinson as “a special guy, special person, and a special player,” emphasizing the bond they have formed. As they prepare to face off in Week 7 on October 19 for “Sunday Night Football,” Robinson reflects on the invaluable lessons he has gained from McCaffrey. “I think it’s just really cool having McCaffrey be a brother to me, as well,” he stated, highlighting the importance of their relationship both on and off the field.
This partnership not only showcases the dedication of these athletes to their craft but also highlights the evolving approach to training and recovery in professional sports. The collaboration between Robinson and McCaffrey could set a precedent for how players can elevate their performance through shared knowledge and innovative techniques.
