Christian McCaffrey Honored with NFL’s Salute to Service Award for Military Support
SAN FRANCISCO - Christian McCaffrey has long been known for his versatility and toughness on the field. Now, he’s being recognized for something even bigger than football. The 49ers’ star running back has been named the recipient of the NFL’s Salute to Service Award, honoring his outstanding commitment to supporting the military community.
McCaffrey follows in the footsteps of teammate George Kittle, who earned the same honor last year. The award, sponsored by USAA, will be formally presented during Thursday night’s NFL Honors show at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts.
“This honor means a lot because it reflects the strength, sacrifice, and resilience of the men and women who serve our country,” McCaffrey said in a statement. “Football has given me a platform, and I believe it comes with a responsibility to serve others the right way.”
That sense of responsibility has been a driving force behind McCaffrey’s off-the-field efforts, especially through his Christian McCaffrey Foundation and the “23 and Troops” initiative. His goal? To make sure service members, veterans, and military families get access to the same level of care and support that elite athletes receive-especially when it comes to recovering from both visible injuries and the less talked-about mental and emotional wounds of service.
“As an athlete, I’ve been fortunate to have access to the best care and recovery resources available,” McCaffrey said. “And I believe our service members and veterans deserve that same level of intentional support.”
McCaffrey’s work through his foundation has helped connect military families with resources they need to heal and thrive, and that mission is being amplified with this award. As part of the recognition, USAA will donate $25,000 to official military aid organizations, and the NFL will match that amount to McCaffrey’s military nonprofit of choice.
“His unwavering commitment to America’s service members and advocacy through his own foundation make him an outstanding recipient for this prestigious award,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
But while the spotlight is on his service work this week, McCaffrey’s on-field performance this season has been just as headline-worthy.
Despite a 49ers squad riddled with injuries, McCaffrey was the engine that kept San Francisco’s offense humming. He led the team in both rushing and receiving, starting every game in his ninth NFL season and helping push the Niners into the divisional round of the NFC playoffs.
His stat line this year was nothing short of elite: 1,202 rushing yards, 924 receiving yards, and 17 total touchdowns in the regular season. And when the lights were brightest, he delivered again-adding two more touchdowns in the 49ers’ wild-card playoff win in Philadelphia.
That kind of production earned him All-Pro honors once again, and he’s a finalist for three major Associated Press awards being announced Thursday night: NFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year.
Teammates and coaches have already made their voices heard. Last month, McCaffrey was voted the winner of the Len Eshmont Award (the team’s most prestigious honor, as voted by players) and the Bill Walsh Award (selected by coaches for best reflecting the team's standard of excellence).
“It’s a huge honor just being nominated and being at things like the Pro Bowl while you’re around great players,” McCaffrey said during Monday’s Pro Bowl practice in San Francisco.
And even at the Pro Bowl, he found ways to contribute. In Tuesday night’s 66-52 NFC win during the flag football game, McCaffrey hauled in two two-point conversions and added a 6-yard reception, showing that even in a lighter setting, he’s always a factor.
Two years ago, in his first full season with the 49ers, McCaffrey led the league in rushing and took home AP Offensive Player of the Year honors. He finished third in MVP voting that year and helped guide the Niners all the way to the Super Bowl.
This season may not have ended with a trip to the big game, but McCaffrey’s impact-on the field and in the community-is undeniable. Whether he’s breaking tackles or breaking down barriers to care for veterans, he continues to set the standard for what it means to be a leader in today’s NFL.
“I’m grateful for this recognition,” McCaffrey said. “But the real credit belongs to the men and women who serve. This is for them.”