NFL Peers Honor The 49ers Star For Christ-Centered Character On And Off The Field
San Francisco — San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been named the recipient of the 2026 Bart Starr Award, an NFL honor recognizing players who exemplify outstanding character, integrity, and leadership.
The Bart Starr Award, voted on by NFL players, is widely regarded as one of the league’s most meaningful recognitions because it reflects how athletes are viewed by their peers. The award is named after Hall of Fame quarterback Bart Starr, a devout Christian who openly lived out his faith on and off the field.
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McCaffrey will receive the award during the 39th annual NFL-sanctioned Super Bowl Breakfast, hosted by Athletes in Action, on Saturday, February 7, in San Francisco as part of Super Bowl Weekend.
Living Out His Faith Through Service
While McCaffrey is known for his elite performance on the field, those closest to him say his faith is most clearly demonstrated through his service to others. Through the Christian McCaffrey Foundation, he has invested heavily in causes that reflect biblical principles of compassion, sacrifice, and care for the vulnerable.
The foundation supports U.S. veterans and active-duty military members through its 23 and Troops initiative, provides encouragement and resources to frontline healthcare workers through 22 and You, and brings joy to children battling serious illness through The Logan Project, which distributes gaming consoles to children’s hospitals nationwide.
Athletes in Action leaders say this outward focus is a defining mark of the Bart Starr Award.
“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.”
Faith And Excellence On The Field
Selected eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2017 NFL Draft, McCaffrey has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most dynamic and disciplined players. He has been named to the Pro Bowl four times and earned Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2023.
McCaffrey is one of only three players in league history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, a feat he accomplished in 2019.
In the 49ers’ most recent Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl LVIII), McCaffrey delivered a historic performance, becoming the first player ever to tally at least 75 rushing yards and 75 receiving yards in a Super Bowl game — a milestone reflecting preparation, perseverance, and stewardship of his God-given talents.
A Platform For Faith During Super Bowl Weekend
The Super Bowl Breakfast will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. PST at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco and will feature Super Bowl–winning coach Tony Dungy, former 49ers standout Bryant Young, and other NFL players and alumni known for their Christian testimony.
Former 49ers tight end and 1998 Bart Starr Award recipient Brent Jones will serve as emcee. The event will also include inspirational messages and video presentations highlighting how faith continues to shape lives within professional football.
Produced annually by Athletes in Action, a ministry of Cru, the Super Bowl Breakfast honors athletes and coaches who publicly and privately reflect Christ-like leadership in one of the world’s most visible arenas.
