McCaffrey missed 13 games in the 2024 season due to multiple injuries. He showed no ill effects in 2025, starting all 17 games.
CMC rushed 311 times for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns, while leading the NFL in receiving yards by a running back with 924 on 102 catches with seven receiving touchdowns. He finished the campaign with 2,126 yards from scrimmage, second most in the league behind Bijan Robinson (2,298).
For stretches, the running back was the Niners offense. Not only did he lead the team in rushing by more than 800 yards, he caught more passes than any other player and led the team in receiving yards. CMC set a franchise record with his season-leading 413 touches.
The first-team All-Pro scored either a rushing or receiving touchdown on 12 of 17 passes, becoming the first player in league history to record at least five rushing touchdowns and five receiving touchdowns in a season.
McCaffrey becomes the third 49er to win the award since it was reinstated in 1998, joining defensive tackle Bryant Young (1999) and Garrison Hearst (2001).