Yes, Luke McCaffrey and Christian McCaffrey are brothers. Both players come from one of football’s most recognizable families, with their father, Ed McCaffrey, also having enjoyed a successful NFL career.
Christian McCaffrey is a star running back for the San Francisco 49ers, while his younger brother Luke McCaffrey plays wide receiver for the Washington Commanders.
Although they play different positions, both brothers followed similar paths to the NFL, building on their family’s football legacy.
Who Is Older, Luke or Christian McCaffrey?
Christian McCaffrey is older than Luke McCaffrey.
Christian was born on June 7, 1996, while Luke was born on April 2, 2001, making Christian nearly five years older.
Christian entered the NFL in 2017 after playing college football at Stanford. Luke followed in 2024 after completing his college career at Rice University.
Who Are Luke and Christian McCaffrey’s Parents?
Luke and Christian are the sons of former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey and Lisa McCaffrey.
Their father played 13 NFL seasons with the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos.
Ed McCaffrey won three Super Bowl championships during his career, including two with the Broncos.
Their mother, Lisa, also comes from an athletic background and played soccer at Stanford University.
How Many McCaffrey Brothers Are There?
The McCaffrey family includes four brothers, all of whom played football at a high level.
- Max McCaffrey: Former NFL wide receiver who played college football at Duke.
- Christian McCaffrey: San Francisco 49ers running back and former Stanford standout.
- Dylan McCaffrey: Former college quarterback who played at Michigan and Northern Colorado.
- Luke McCaffrey: Washington Commanders wide receiver who played college football at Nebraska and Rice.
Christian and Luke are the two youngest brothers.
Where Did Luke McCaffrey Play College Football?
Luke McCaffrey began his college football career at Nebraska, where he played quarterback.
He later transferred to Rice University and eventually transitioned to wide receiver.
The position change helped Luke develop into an NFL prospect. During his final college season in 2023, he recorded 71 receptions for 992 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
His performance helped him earn a selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
When Were Christian and Luke McCaffrey Drafted?
Christian McCaffrey was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
He was traded to the San Francisco 49ers during the 2022 season and became one of the NFL’s most productive offensive players.
Luke McCaffrey was selected by the Washington Commanders in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 100th overall pick.
Their selections came seven years apart, but both reached the NFL after successful college football careers.
Have Luke and Christian McCaffrey Played Against Each Other?
Because Luke plays for the Washington Commanders and Christian plays for the San Francisco 49ers, the brothers can face each other when their teams meet.
However, they do not directly compete at the same position. Christian primarily plays running back, while Luke plays wide receiver.
A matchup between Washington and San Francisco gives the McCaffrey family an opportunity to watch two brothers compete on opposite sidelines.
Are Luke and Christian McCaffrey on the Same NFL Team?
No. As of the 2026 NFL season, the brothers are associated with different NFC teams.
Christian McCaffrey plays for the San Francisco 49ers, while Luke McCaffrey plays for the Washington Commanders.
Both players contribute offensively, but Christian is primarily known for his rushing and receiving ability out of the backfield, while Luke developed as a wide receiver.
The McCaffrey Family’s NFL Legacy
The McCaffrey family has established a notable football legacy across multiple generations.
Ed McCaffrey won three Super Bowls as an NFL wide receiver, Christian became an NFL Offensive Player of the Year and All-Pro running back, and Luke followed his older brother into professional football.
With two brothers reaching the NFL as draft picks and their father having won multiple championships, the McCaffrey family remains one of football’s most recognizable athletic families.
Final Takeaway
Luke McCaffrey is Christian McCaffrey’s younger brother. Christian plays running back for the San Francisco 49ers, while Luke plays wide receiver for the Washington Commanders.
Their father, Ed McCaffrey, was a three-time Super Bowl champion, making football a major part of the family’s history.
Although Christian and Luke have taken different paths to the NFL, both have continued the McCaffrey family’s football tradition.