(KRON) — 49ers running back and former Stanford University standout Christian McCaffrey committed a Bay Area cultural faux pas in a new Lowe’s ad posted to social media on Oct. 1.
“What’s up, San Fran?” Christian McCaffrey says in the advertisement. “You’re the next stop for the Lowe’s Earn Your Sunday Tour and it’s going to be a party like you wouldn’t believe.”
Abbreviations like San Fran and Frisco were notably pooh-poohed by San Francisco Chronicle Columnist Herb Caen.
Lowe’s also published the gaffe on social media.
“San Fran!” the ad reads. “The Lowe’s Earn Your Sunday Tour is coming through Listen up, San Fran! The Lowe’s Earn Your Sunday Tour is pullin’ up with Madden ’26, prizes, and good vibes. Don’t miss out!”
The ad drew criticism form many Bay Area locals.
“Oh, good grief!” one person commented on the Lowe’s social media post. “It’s SAN FRANCISCO! Literally 2 extra syllables!!!!”
The company has since turned off the comments on its advertisement.
Though McCaffrey was born and raised in Colorado, he played three years of college football at Stanford University. McCaffrey was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and was traded to the 49ers in 2022.
