49ers RB Christian McCaffrey wins NFL Comeback Player of the Year

McCaffrey bounced back from injuries to post a dominant 2025 season for the 49ers.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 9:55pm by Ben Kaplan

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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was named the Associated Press NFL Comeback Player of the Year on Thursday after a standout 2025 season. McCaffrey missed most of the previous year due to injuries but returned to rush for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns while also catching 102 passes for 924 yards and 7 scores, helping the 49ers reach the playoffs.

Why it matters

McCaffrey's comeback season was a major factor in the 49ers' success in 2025 after the team dealt with numerous injuries to key players. His ability to produce at an elite level as both a runner and receiver makes him one of the NFL's most valuable offensive weapons.

The details

In 2025, McCaffrey started all 17 regular-season games for the 49ers, finishing with 311 carries for 1,202 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 102 passes for 924 yards and 7 receiving touchdowns, totaling 2,126 yards from scrimmage - the second-most in the NFL. The previous season, McCaffrey appeared in just 4 games due to Achilles tendinitis and a posterior cruciate ligament injury.

  • McCaffrey was named the AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after leading the league in yards from scrimmage with 2,023 and totaling 21 touchdowns.
  • In 2025, McCaffrey was a finalist for both Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year.
  • On February 6, 2026, McCaffrey was awarded the NFL Comeback Player of the Year at the annual NFL Honors event.

The players

Christian McCaffrey

A 29-year-old running back for the San Francisco 49ers who missed most of the 2024 season due to injuries but bounced back with a dominant 2025 campaign, leading the league in yards from scrimmage.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who praised McCaffrey's perseverance and called his 2025 season "one of the most impressive individual efforts" he's ever seen.

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What they’re saying

“Just to be able to come back, stay healthy and contribute every week, it means everything. This game isn't easy, and bouncing back from what I went through last year makes this award really special.”

— Christian McCaffrey (NFL Honors event)

What’s next

McCaffrey will look to build on his comeback season in 2026 as the 49ers aim to return to the playoffs and make a deep postseason run.

The takeaway

McCaffrey's remarkable 2025 season, in which he became the first player in NFL history to record at least 5 rushing and 5 receiving touchdowns, demonstrates the resilience and versatility that make him one of the league's most valuable offensive stars.