Christian McCaffrey Wins 2025 NFL AP Comeback Player of the Year Award

Christian McCaffrey wins the 2025 NFL AP Comeback Player of the Year award after starting all 17 games for the San Francisco 49ers. He finished with 31 first-place votes ahead of Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.

What happened?

Christian McCaffrey missed 13 games last season due to Achilles tendinitis and a PCL injury. He returned to lead the NFL with 413 scrimmage touches and finished with the second-most scrimmage yards in the 2025 NFL season.

Why it matters for Christian McCaffrey

The award caps off a decorated season for McCaffrey, earning Pro-Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selections. He becomes the fourth 49er to win the award, joining John Brodie, Bryant Young, and Garrison Hearst. Christian McCaffrey rushed for 1,202 yards on a career-high 311 attempts. He tallied 102 receptions in 2025, setting the single-season franchise record for a running back.

What comes next?

With 924 receiving yards, McCaffrey nearly became the first player with 1,000-or-more rushing and 1,000-or-more receiving yards in multiple seasons. The 29-year-old running back finished with the second-most scrimmage yards in a season in his career. He has now finished over the 2,000-yard mark three times. Christian McCaffrey's resurgent season is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He will look to continue his success in the upcoming season. The San Francisco 49ers will rely on McCaffrey to lead their offense. Christian McCaffrey's award is a significant achievement for the 49ers organization.