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“I'm Here to Rewrite History” — Former Commanders "Chain Mover" Aims to Form a Perfect Duo with Christian McCaffrey

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SANTA CLARA, California — The San Francisco 49ers didn’t just look for a safety net behind Christian McCaffrey. They chose Brian Robinson because they believe the Levi’s Stadium backfield can reach another tier: speed plus grit, zone craft plus between-the-tackles power. And before the opener, Robinson fired a clear warning shot:

“I came here to rewrite history.”

No longer the newcomer who joked it felt like the first day of school, Robinson steps into Kyle Shanahan’s system with a straight-line mission: complement CMC in every game script—short yardage, goal line, mid-game tempo, and late-game clock control—so the 49ers no longer lean entirely on No. 23’s massive workload.

“I’m a competitor. I came here to compete,” Robinson said  “My job is to complement Christian as best I can—and we’re going to be the best duo in the league. But beyond that, I came to San Francisco to rewrite history: to change how people talk about the 49ers’ run game, about durability in December, and about what this backfield stands for in January.”

On the whiteboard, Shanahan gains a true plug-and-play piece. Robinson hits creases quickly in zone/duo, holds up in pass protection, and brings enough mass to move the pile when the 49ers need four yards in three snaps. With McCaffrey—an all-world playmaker who tilts coverage at every touch—Robinson helps keep snap load healthy, unlocks flexible 21 personnel with fullback/tight end, and expands the vertical threats off play-action.

The locker room gets it. “When you have CMC, defenses shade their eyes his way,” one teammate said. “Add Brian, and we force them to play honest in the box; if they bail, we pound the rock. If they load up, play-action punishes.”

Robinson closed his pregame media scrum with a final punch

“I’ve been running the ball my whole life. Here, Christian and I are going to turn every touch into a statement. This year, the 49ers backfield is getting a new chapter.”

49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.