McCaffrey & Shanahan NFL Honors Finalists: 49ers Recognition 2025

The San Francisco 49ers are poised for recognition as finalists for the Associated Press 2025 NFL Honors, following a strong regular season record of 12 wins and advancement to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Two members of the team have been specifically recognized for their outstanding contributions this season.

McCaffrey’s Remarkable Comeback

Running back Christian McCaffrey has emerged as a leading candidate for multiple awards. He accumulated an impressive 2,126 total yards from scrimmage – 1,202 rushing yards on 311 carries and 924 receiving yards on 102 receptions. This performance is particularly noteworthy considering McCaffrey’s limited participation in the 2024 season, where he appeared in only four games due to injury.

Did You Know? Since Terrell Owens in 2002, no 49ers player had recorded 100 or more receptions in a single season.

McCaffrey’s versatility is highlighted by his 10 rushing touchdowns and seven receiving touchdowns. His 924 receiving yards represent the highest total for a running back in the NFL this year. He led the 49ers in rushing yards, receiving yards, and total receptions. This exceptional play has earned him selection to the 2026 Pro Bowl, as well as recognition on the AP First-Team All-Pro (All-Purpose) and 2025 All-NFL (PFWA) and 2025 All-NFC (PFWA) teams.

He is now a finalist for the Comeback Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and Most Valuable Player of the Year awards. He was awarded the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year award this Friday.

Shanahan’s Leadership Amidst Adversity

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is also a finalist for the AP Coach of the Year award. Shanahan navigated the team through a season marked by significant injuries to key players. Early in the season, the 49ers lost Nick Bosa and Fred Warner to injury. Quarterback Brock Purdy was sidelined for eight games due to a foot injury, and George Kittle missed six regular season games with an injury, as well as playoff games in Philadelphia and Seattle due to an Achilles tendon injury.

Expert Insight: Shanahan’s ability to maintain a 12-5 record and advance to the Divisional Round despite a lengthy injury list demonstrates exceptional coaching and roster management.

Even reserve players sustained injuries throughout the season. Despite these challenges, Shanahan led the 49ers to a 12-5 regular season record and a victory over the Eagles in the Wild Card round. He has now achieved the third-most wins of any head coach in 49ers history with 82, trailing only George Seifert and Bill Walsh.

The winners will be announced at the fifteenth annual NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, February 5th, at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California. The ceremony will be broadcast live at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time on NBC and NFL Network, and will also be available for streaming on Peacock and NFL+.

Frequently Asked Questions

What awards is Christian McCaffrey a finalist for?

Christian McCaffrey is a finalist for the Comeback Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and Most Valuable Player of the Year awards.

Who is the 49ers head coach nominated for an award?

Kyle Shanahan is a finalist for the AP Coach of the Year award.

What was the 49ers’ regular season record in 2025?

The San Francisco 49ers finished the 2025 regular season with a record of 12-5.

Given the significant number of injuries the 49ers faced this season, what does this level of success say about the team’s depth and resilience?