49ers RB Christian McCaffrey honored with NFL Salute to Service Award

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been named the recipient of the 15th annual NFL Salute to Service Award, presented by USAA.

McCaffrey was honored for his outstanding commitment to supporting the military community through his Christian McCaffrey Foundation. The foundation's flagship initiative, 23 and Troops, provides care for veterans, particularly those in Special Operations, focusing on healing from post-traumatic stress and trauma.

Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has invested nearly $700,000 in military support, including partnerships with REBOOT Recovery and Resilience Code.

"It's an honor to be recognized as a finalist for this year's Salute to Service Award," McCaffrey said upon being named a finalist. "Serving those who serve us has been something myself and everyone involved with my foundation [the Christian McCaffrey Foundation] have prioritized over the years. Many veterans return home from war, but never truly come back, so with initiatives like 23 and Troops, we focus on bringing resources to U.S. Elite forces, active-duty military, veterans, and frontline workers to help overcome trauma and PTSD."

McCaffrey also actively participates in Salute to Service programming, connecting with active-duty members, veterans, and Gold Star families, and showcases his foundation through the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative.

The award recognizes players, coaches, and staff who use their platform to honor, empower, and support the military community. As part of the award, USAA will contribute $25,000 in McCaffrey's name to official aid societies representing all U.S. military branches. Additionally, the NFL will donate an additional $25,000 to McCaffrey's military non-profit charity of choice.