GoKawiilChristian McCaffrey becomes co-founder of training shoe brand behind The CMC
NFL running back Christian McCaffrey has taken an ownership and co-founder stake in a footwear startup, letting his nine-year Nike deal lapse to do so. The partnership, formed with entrepreneur Todd Meleney, has produced a training shoe called The CMC, designed around McCaffrey's own feedback after he criticized an early prototype for lacking support and stability.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
McCaffrey's move reflects a broader shift among top athletes away from pure endorsement deals toward equity stakes and product input, giving them long-term financial upside instead of one-time fees. It also signals growing competition for legacy brands like Nike as athletes increasingly choose to build their own labels rather than license their name to existing ones.
- McCaffrey let a nine-year Nike deal expire to co-found a footwear company instead of signing another endorsement.
- The CMC training shoe was directly shaped by McCaffrey's hands-on product feedback, not just marketing input.
- The deal highlights a trend of star athletes seeking ownership stakes over traditional sponsorship arrangements.
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See Nobull Trainer+ Training Shoes on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: entrepreneur.com — Elisette Carlson, 2026-08-24
Published there as: “Christian McCaffrey Isn’t Just Wearing the Shoe. He’s Building the Company.”
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