San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, the NFL's 2023 Offensive Player of the Year, earned Madden NFL 25 cover honors after racking up 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 total touchdowns. Now, another star running back—Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles—has been chosen as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26.

On Monday, McCaffrey congratulated Barkley via social media, expressing his respect and excitement about the selection.


"Saquon, congrats, man," McCaffrey said in a video post. "Madden 26 for number 26. It's my honor to be passing down the Madden cover to you, keeping it within the running back family. We've got to keep it that way. So fired up for you, man.

"You've been pushing the standards since college, and to see all your success is no shock to me. So, congrats, man. Enjoy it, and I hope to see you soon."


McCaffrey looks to bounce back in 2025


While McCaffrey was honored with the Madden cover last year, the 49ers star faced a frustrating 2024 season, appearing in just four games due to injuries. He totaled only 348 scrimmage yards and failed to score a touchdown. An Achilles tendinitis issue placed him on injured reserve to start the year, and a knee injury sidelined him again to close it out.

The good news? McCaffrey is healthy and working toward a bounce-back campaign in 2025.

Last week, 49ers general manager John Lynch shared optimism about McCaffrey's progress during a radio interview.


"It looks really good to me," Lynch said. "That's what I'll tell you. He looks bouncy; he looks explosive. Christian likes the work. As talented as he is, he's a feel player, and he likes to work, and he's put in the work.

"Believe me, he's as intense a competitor as I've ever been around. He's maniacal in his approach."

Positive signs at 49ers OTAs


According to 49ers beat writer Matt Barrows of The Athletic, McCaffrey already looks sharp during organized team activities (OTAs). Barrows described one practice run where McCaffrey burst through the line and ran past linebackers up the middle, calling it "electric."

"The run was evidence that McCaffrey, who missed the bulk of the 2024 season with Achilles and knee injuries, is back at full strength and looking more like his 2023 self," Barrows wrote. "And it seemed symbolic of the extra pep the San Francisco 49ers seem to have this spring."

Of course, OTAs are non-contact sessions, without helmets or pads. The true test will come in training camp, where McCaffrey will have the chance to prove he's ready to regain his All-Pro form.

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