McCaffrey Leads 49ers With Multiple Team Awards After 2025 Season

The San Francisco 49ers announced their team award winners on March 12, 2025, just two days after their playoff exit against the Seattle Seahawks. Running back Christian McCaffrey earned two prestigious accolades: the Len Eshmont Award and the Bill Walsh Award. This season marked a remarkable comeback for McCaffrey, who recorded 1,202 rushing yards and 924 receiving yards after a challenging previous year limited him to just four games due to Achilles tendonitis and a knee injury.

The Eshmont Award, named after a member of the original 1946 49ers, recognizes the player who exemplifies inspirational and courageous play. The Walsh Award honors a player who reflects the professional excellence established by Bill Walsh, who coached the team to three Super Bowl victories during his tenure. Reflecting on the season, McCaffrey stated, “This was one of the hardest years of my life… I appreciate all the people that helped me out and believed in me when a lot of people didn’t.”

In addition to McCaffrey, several other players were recognized for their contributions during the season. Offensive lineman Colton McKivitz received the Bobb McKittrick Award, which honors the offensive lineman who best represents the courage, intensity, and sacrifice of the late coach McKittrick. McKivitz started all 19 games at right tackle.

Linebacker Dee Winters was awarded the Hazeltine Iron Man Award for his outstanding performance, achieving a career-high 101 tackles in his first full season as a starter. Winters played all 17 regular-season games and the divisional-round match, missing only the wild-card game due to an ankle injury.

Defensive lineman Alfred Collins received the Thomas Herrion Memorial Award for demonstrating exceptional performance as a rookie. His key play, including a forced fumble and recovery in the crucial moments of the October 2 victory over the Rams, highlighted his ability to seize opportunities.

The Perry/Yonamine Unity Award was shared by McKivitz and linebacker Curtis Robinson, as voted by their teammates. Robinson is also the club’s nominee for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, recognizing his contributions both on and off the field.

Finally, the quarterback duo of Brock Purdy and Mac Jones were awarded the Garry Niver Award, as determined by the San Francisco Chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America. This award reflects their cooperation and professionalism in assisting the media. Purdy is a regular presence at press conferences, while Jones brought moments of levity during his time filling in when Purdy was sidelined with a turf toe injury.

With these awards, the 49ers not only celebrate individual achievements but also emphasize the resilience and teamwork that define their season. As the team reflects on their playoff exit, the focus will now shift to building a stronger roster for the future.