San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was rewarded for his resurgent 2025 season with Comeback Player of the Year honors on Thursday.
McCaffrey is the first running back to win the award since Garrison Hearst in 2001.
He earned the honor over fellow finalists including New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Dallas Cowboys passer Dak Prescott.
Here’s a look at the full voting results for the award, which included one vote for veteran quarterback Philip Rivers.
After the 49ers made a Super Bowl appearance during their 2023 campaign led by an incredible season from McCaffrey in which he was named Offensive Player of the Year, expectations were high heading into 2024.
San Francisco ultimately couldn’t make its way back to the playoffs while dealing with several injuries, finishing with a 6-11 record.
McCaffrey’s health woes were a major reason why, as he only made four appearances in 2024. He missed the 49ers’ first eight games of the season with Achilles tendonitis before he was sidelined for the end of the year due to a PCL sprain.
The four-time Pro Bowler looked like his former self in 2025, though.
McCaffrey appeared in all 17 regular-season games for San Francisco, rushing for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns on 311 carries. He also served as a key piece of the 49ers’ passing attack, hauling in 102 receptions for 924 yards and seven scores.
It marked the third season of McCaffrey’s career in which he surpassed 2,000 all-purpose yards.
San Francisco compiled a 12-5 record, advancing to the playoffs before falling to the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round.
McCaffrey rushed for 83 yards in two postseason contests while catching 11 passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
The 29-year-old showed why he’s considered one of the NFL’s top running backs in 2025 despite recent health issues, earning recognition for his efforts on Thursday.
