SANTA CLARA — San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been named the winner of the 2026 Bart Starr Award. Announced on January 16, the honor recognizes an NFL player for exceptional character, integrity, and leadership both on the gridiron and in the community. Unlike many league honors, this award is uniquely prestigious because current NFL players vote to select the winner.
McCaffrey secured the award following a dominant 2025 campaign where he carried the Niners’ offense with 1,202 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He added 102 receptions for 924 yards and another seven scores through the air, finishing the regular season with the second-most yards from scrimmage in the NFL. Off the field, his impact through the Christian McCaffrey Foundation drove the selection. His initiatives, including “23 and Troops” and “The Logan Project,” provide critical health resources for U.S. veterans and distribute gaming consoles to children’s hospitals nationwide.
The 49ers star joins a legendary list of past recipients, including Cameron Jordan (2025), Minkah Fitzpatrick (2024), and Kirk Cousins (2023). The official presentation will take place on February 7, 2026, during the 39th annual Super Bowl Breakfast in San Francisco. This recognition comes at a high-intensity moment for McCaffrey, who is also a finalist for the NFL’s Salute to Service Award this season.
“I’m humbled and very honored. It’s an awesome award, and I don’t take it lightly. I feel like the luckiest guy… I appreciate being recognized by my fellow players around the league.” — Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers Running Back
The timing of the announcement provides a massive morale boost as the 49ers prepare for tonight’s Divisional Round rematch against the Seattle Seahawks. San Francisco is coming off a 23-19 Wild Card win where McCaffrey played a central role, and they now head into the noise of Lumen Field to settle the season series. With a trip to the NFC Championship on the line, the 49ers will lean on their newly minted Bart Starr Award winner to lead them past the top-seeded Seahawks.
