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SAN FRANCISCO – Christian McCaffrey was named the recipient of the NFL’s 2026 Salute to Service Award, presented by USAA.
The San Francisco 49ers running back launched “23 and Troops” in 2021 to focus on post-traumatic stress and athlete-level care for veterans. The foundation has raised $700,000 for military support and paid holiday leave for 515 military families.
McCaffrey grew up about half an hour away from a military base, so he always knew that was the community he wanted to help.
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Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
“I think it was right from a young age, my parents instilled in me to respect the military and what it means to live in this country. I always appreciated, and growing up in that area, a lot of your mentors end up being veterans because they’re in the area, and you learn from them, you learn about their experiences, and some of the things that they did or saw even more,” McCrecia said.
“It’s a huge honor,” he added. “You know, we get to play a kid’s game for a living, and we play in front of millions of people. And a lot of that is because of the people who have sacrificed for us. And it’s not just the people who have served or are serving, it’s their families, their wives, their husbands, their children that have to go through so much, and a lot of it gets the credit for this.”
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium. (David Gonzales/Imagn Images)
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When he started his foundation and did his research, McCaffrey was struck when he read that 22 veterans commit suicide every day.
“That’s why I’m doing this. I’m trying to cut that number down as much as possible,” he said.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb also gave Super Bowl tickets to SJ Farin, a 14-year vet and a Purple Heart recipient.
“It means everything to me,” Lamb told Pakinomist Digital on the radio set. I have an uncle who is also in the air force, that means everything. I know what it takes to really just have a family member that isn’t always around, but definitely goes out of their way to make sure we’re protected. So for me it’s really just giving back to what’s deserved.”
The award will remain with the 49ers, as George Kittle was last year’s recipient.
George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown with Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on December 10, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
“Anytime you’re around guys like George who has the personality and the play and is a Hall of Fame player but also loves to give back, it’s inspiring and it makes you want to do the same,” McCaffrey said.
