TMZ Sports has obtained the harrowing 911 call Christian McCaffrey made to help save a stranger's life ... and it details how serious the accident was.
Christian, a friend, and his brother, Max -- a 49ers WR -- were hiking at Castle Rock, Colorado on March 3 when they spotted a 72-year-old man fall off a cliff ... landing on a rock 12 feet below.
McCaffrey sprang into action ... personally calling 911 and pleading for help to arrive ASAP.
The situation was clearly dire with CM telling the operator, "He's breathing barely."
While they waited for help, Christian can be heard telling people at the scene ... "Everybody say a prayer."
The man was transported to the hospital in critical condition where he remains. The son of the climber credits the guys with saving his dad's life.