From injury woes to NFL's Comeback Player, Christian McCaffrey roared back, dominating the field and redefining his elite status.
Christian McCaffrey’s 2025 season wasn’t just a return from injury, it was a reminder of who he is when fully healthy.
On Thursday night at NFL Honors, held at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco ahead of Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, the San Francisco 49ers running back was named the AP Comeback Player of the Year.
It was the fitting capstone to one of the most impressive seasons of McCaffrey’s career.
A season that defined the 49ers’ offense
McCaffrey was the engine of San Francisco’s offense in 2025. He started all 17 games and led the NFL with a career-high 413 touches, finishing the season with 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns.
On the ground, McCaffrey rushed for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns, while continuing to be a focal point in the passing game. His versatility allowed Kyle Shanahan to dictate matchups weekly, and his durability was just as important as the production itself.
By season’s end, McCaffrey once again looked like the most complete offensive weapon in football.
From lost season to league-wide recognition
The award represents a full-circle moment for McCaffrey.
In 2024, his season was derailed after just four games due to a combination of Achilles tendinitis and a PCL injury. Questions surfaced about his long-term durability and whether the 49ers could continue to rely so heavily on him moving forward.
McCaffrey answered those questions emphatically.
Not only did he stay healthy throughout the 2025 campaign, but he also joined rare company by recording over 2,000 scrimmage yards for the third time in his career only further cementing his place among the NFL’s elite.
Beating out elite competition
McCaffrey earned the award over a strong group of finalists, including New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Each had compelling comeback cases of their own, but McCaffrey’s combination of volume, efficiency, and overall impact separated him from the field.
For the 49ers, his resurgence was foundational to their success during a season that once again positioned them among the NFL’s elite.
A statement heading into 2026
McCaffrey’s Comeback Player of the Year honor reinforces what was already clear throughout the season: when healthy, he remains the standard for modern NFL running backs.
After a year defined by setbacks, McCaffrey didn’t just come back.
He dominated.