Christian McCaffrey’s Historic Season Puts Him in Rarefied Air as Awards Finalist
Christian McCaffrey didn’t just bounce back in 2025 - he exploded. After an injury-shortened campaign the year prior, the 49ers’ star running back returned with a vengeance, putting together one of the most complete and dominant seasons we’ve seen from a skill position player in recent memory.
The payoff? He’s now a finalist for not one, not two, but three of the NFL’s most prestigious awards: MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year.
That triple-threat finalist status puts McCaffrey in elite company. Only one other player - Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow - has ever pulled off the same feat. And while Burrow walked away with just Comeback Player of the Year, McCaffrey’s case is arguably even stronger across the board.
Let’s break down what makes this season so special - and why McCaffrey’s name is showing up on so many ballots.
MVP: Cracking the Quarterback Club
Finalists:
- Josh Allen (Bills)
- Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars)
- Drake Maye (Patriots)
- Christian McCaffrey (49ers)
- Matthew Stafford (Rams)
Let’s be honest: the MVP award has become a quarterback showcase. Since Adrian Peterson’s win in 2012, no non-QB has taken home the hardware. But McCaffrey’s inclusion here isn’t just a nod to sentiment or comeback narrative - it’s a reflection of just how central he was to the 49ers’ success.
McCaffrey racked up 2,126 yards from scrimmage - 1,202 on the ground and another 924 through the air - and found the end zone 17 times. That’s production that doesn’t just complement a quarterback; it elevates an entire offense. In a league where versatility is king, McCaffrey was the crown jewel.
Still, with four quarterbacks in the mix and the historical trend working against him, it’s an uphill climb for McCaffrey to take home MVP. But the fact that he’s even in the conversation speaks volumes.
Offensive Player of the Year: A Familiar Battlefield
Finalists:
- Drake Maye (Patriots)
- Christian McCaffrey (49ers)
- Puka Nacua (Rams)
- Bijan Robinson (Falcons)
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks)
McCaffrey already knows what it feels like to win Offensive Player of the Year - he took it home two seasons ago. And this season, he put up numbers that would justify a repeat: over 2,100 yards from scrimmage, 17 touchdowns, and a workload that would make most backs buckle.
But he’s facing some serious competition, especially from Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The second-year wideout led the league with 119 receptions, totaled 1,793 receiving yards, and scored 10 touchdowns. That kind of production, especially in a pass-heavy league, is hard to ignore.
Still, McCaffrey’s dual-threat dominance - lining up in the backfield, splitting out wide, catching passes like a wide receiver, and grinding out tough yards between the tackles - makes him a different kind of offensive weapon. He’s not just a running back. He’s a matchup nightmare.
Comeback Player of the Year: The Heart of the Story
Finalists:
- Stefon Diggs (Patriots)
- Aidan Hutchinson (Lions)
- Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars)
- Christian McCaffrey (49ers)
- Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
This is the award that feels the most McCaffrey. After appearing in just four games in 2024, his return this season wasn’t just about getting back on the field - it was about reasserting himself as one of the most impactful players in the league.
He didn’t ease into the season. He owned it. Week after week, McCaffrey was the engine of the 49ers’ offense, shouldering a massive workload and producing at an elite level - all while staying healthy and durable through a grueling year.
McCaffrey was a Comeback Player of the Year finalist back in 2022, after his trade from Carolina to San Francisco. But this time around, the narrative is different.
This wasn’t just a return to form - it was a full-blown resurgence. Considering the adversity he overcame and the level he reached, it’s hard to find a more compelling comeback story in the league.
The Bigger Picture
Christian McCaffrey’s 2025 season wasn’t just statistically impressive - it was a statement. A statement about resilience, versatility, and elite-level football. Being named a finalist for three major awards reflects that impact, not just on the field but in the broader conversation about what value looks like in today’s NFL.
The MVP may still be a quarterback’s domain. Offensive Player of the Year might lean toward gaudy receiving numbers.
But Comeback Player of the Year? That one feels tailor-made for McCaffrey - a player who didn’t just return, but roared back into the spotlight as one of the league’s most dynamic forces.
No matter how the votes shake out on February 5 in San Francisco, one thing’s clear: Christian McCaffrey reminded everyone exactly who he is - and why he’s one of the most electric, complete, and respected players in the game today.