San Francisco 49ers legend Roger Craig finally earned his spot in Canton this Saturday. It was a long time coming to say the least.
Craig had an incredible run with the 49ers from 1983-1990, winning three Super Bowl titles and earning Pro Bowl honors four times. In 1985, he became the first NFL player to ever record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.
"[49ers coach Bill Walsh] didn’t just want a running back. He wanted a complete football player,” Craig said during his Hall of Fame speech, via Pro Football Talk. “He trusted me to do whatever the team needed. That’s why the 1,000 yards rushing, 1,000 yards receiving season means to much to me. We weren’t chasing numbers. We were chasing W’s — wins. I didn’t realize I was making history. It just felt like we were doing something special as a team. Looking back, I appreciate how difficult it is, and how few players have done it since.”
At the end of Craig's emotional speech, he revealed that he's been diagnosed with dementia. He said his condition could be tied to his experience with concussions.
"My doctors believe may be related, at least in part, to the concussions I experienced during my career. The changes were gradual. At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed it too and ultimately led us to seek answers from my doctor. Two things can be true: Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I could imagine. It helped shape the man I became," Craig said, via Pro Football Talk.
"At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played, and I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn’t feel right. I want people to know this diagnosis doesn’t define me. I am still Roger Craig. I am still a father, a husband, a teammate, a friend and someone who loves this game and the people who brought it to my life. If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it’s worth it. Football gave me everything."
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
NFL world inspired by Roger Craig.
Although it's not much of a surprise, countless media members and fans were moved by Craig's speech on Saturday.
"Much Respect to Roger Craig. Wow," Steve Wyche of NFL Network said. "He kept it real about his brain health in his speech. That registered. Wow."
"Sending strength to a legend who still runs circles in our heads, even when the game changes. Stay sharp, Roger," one fan said.
"Sorry to hear that, Roger, thanks for the yards and the legendary career," a second fan commented.
"Wow, that Roger Craig induction video was extremely moving," another fan wrote.
Congratulations to Craig on an extraordinary career. We wish him all the best as he handles the next chapter of his life.
