San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey Named 2026 Bart Starr Award Winner
Award Presentation at the 39th Annual NFL-Sanctioned Super Bowl Breakfast
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 10, 2026—San Francisco 49ers’ running back Christian McCaffrey is the winner of the 2026 Bart Starr Award for outstanding character, integrity and leadership, both on and off the football field. McCaffrey was selected by his peers for the award, which is one of few honors in the league that is voted on by players.
The award will be presented during the Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 7, in San Francisco as part of Super Bowl Weekend. The 39th annual NFL-sanctioned event unites fans, local business leaders in the Bay Area and football legends for a morning of celebration ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.
McCaffrey, who was traded to the 49ers in 2022, has made an impact on the Bay Area community that has extended far beyond the football field. The Christian McCaffrey Foundation serves the city of San Francisco and beyond, with initiatives like 23 and Troops, 22 and You, and The Logan Project. These projects aim to equip U.S. veterans and active-duty military with health resources, provide support for front line healthcare workers, and distribute gaming consoles to hospitals nationwide for young patients.
“Christian McCaffrey stood out to his peers as an individual who leads with integrity and honor,” said Corwin Anthony, Executive Director of the Super Bowl Breakfast. “His character, being displayed both on the field and in his community, honor and embody the legacy of the late Bart Starr.”
Selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2017 NFL Draft, McCaffrey is known as a dual threat for receiving and running the football. He has been named to the NFL Pro Bowl four times and was the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year in 2023.
In the 49ers’ most recent Super Bowl appearance (LVIII), McCaffrey had a strong performance, with eight receptions for 80 yards. He became the first player in Super Bowl history to record 75+ rushing and 75+ receiving yards in the same game. He is one of three NFL players to record 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in one season, a feat accomplished in 2019.
McCaffrey joins a long legacy of notable Bart Starr Award winners including:
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Jr. Kirk Cousins Russell Wilson Demario Davis Eli Manning Calais Campbell Benjamin Watson Matthew Slater Thomas Davis Peyton Manning Aaron Rodgers |
London Fletcher Kurt Warner Warrick Dunn LaDainian Tomlinson John Lynch Curtis Martin Troy Vincent Derrick Brooks Trent Dilfer Darren Woodson Bruce Matthews | Aeneas Williams Brent Jones Darrell Green Jackie Slater Cris Carter Warren Moon Gill Byrd Reggie White Mike Singletary Anthony Munoz Steve Largent |
The Super Bowl Breakfast will be held at the Marriott Marquis–San Francisco from 8 - 10 a.m. (PST) and will feature Super Bowl champion coach Tony Dungy, Bryant Young and other well-known NFL players, coaches and alumni. Niners Hall of Fame tight end and the 1998 Bart Starr Award winner Brent Jones will emcee the event. In addition to the award presentation, other highlights of the morning will include footage from NFL Films and inspirational messages.
The Super Bowl Breakfast is proud to partner with TBC and PG&E as the presenting sponsors of the event.
For more information about the Bart Starr Award and the Super Bowl Breakfast and to purchase tickets, tables, and sponsorships, please visit SuperBowlBreakfast.com.
Registration for the event will close on February 5.
Media inquiries should be directed to SuperBowlBreakfast.com/Media.
The Super Bowl Breakfast is one of the premier events produced annually by Athletes in Action to honor athletes and coaches who model exemplary character, leadership, and integrity. Athletes in Action is a ministry of Cru. For more information, visit SuperBowlBreakfast.com.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Alli Ehrhardt, 541.973.1994
