Christian McCaffrey went from a question mark to an exclamation point Thursday night when the 49ers’ running back was named the NFL’s Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year at honors night at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
The NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2023, McCaffery played just four games last season because of bilateral Achilles tendinitis and a PCL strain. He had just 348 yards from scrimmage (202 rushing, 146 passing) during a season that included a trip to Germany for treatment of the Achilles.
“Any time you come back from injuries it’s extremely tough,” McCaffrey said in accepting the award. “I’m so blessed to have the biggest support system on the planet. The trainers, the body work and maintenance staff worked with me non-stop this season.”
Heading into this season with questions about his durability, McCaffrey had a career-high 413 touches, played all 17 games and had 2,126 scrimmage yards (311 carries for 1,202 yards, 102 receptions for 924 yards). He had 17 total touchdowns after scoring none in 2024. The scrimmage yards were second to Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson (2,298 yards).
With McCaffrey leading the 49ers in both rushing and receiving, the 49ers went from 6-11 to 12-5, earned a wild card berth in the NFL playoffs. McCaffrey was also in the final five for the Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year awards.
“This was one of the most special teams I’ve ever been a part of,” McCaffrey said. “You guys gave me inspiration every single day to keep going.”
The other finalists for the the Comeback Player of the Year were Buffalo wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Detroit defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott.
“Every one of those guys nominated knows they all deserve to be up here as well,” McCaffrey said. “I found a lot of inspiration through you guys throughout the year.”
McCaffrey was also among the candidates for Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year. He was named to the 2025 Associated Press All-Pro team as an all-purpose player, with fullback Kyle Juszczyk the only other 49ers’ player recognized.
A.P. awards are voted on by a 50-member media panel under a weighted point system, with a first-place vote worth 10 points and second through fifth getting five, three, two and one points.
Final voting is tabulated at the end of the regular season.
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