Former NFL player Roger Craig poses with his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Former NFL player Roger Craig poses with his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Former San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig announced Saturday that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia that was at least partly caused by concussions during his taped acceptance speech at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Craig, 66, who spent the first eight seasons of his 11-year career with the 49ers, said doctors believe head trauma played a role in his dementia. Craig said his symptoms, which worsened gradually, were initially viewed as “normal aging.”
“Over time, my family noticed it too and ultimately led us to seek answers from my doctor," Craig said. “Two things can be true: Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I could imagine. It helped shape the man I became. 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.”
In 1985, Craig became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection who was the 1988 Offensive Player of the Year, when he finished third in the league’s MVP voting.
Craig and Vanessa, his wife of 43 years, have five children. Craig had run more than 30 marathons and half marathons in retirement and worked in marketing at Tibco Software in Palo Alto.
“I want people to know this diagnosis doesn't define me. I am still Roger Craig,” he said. “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."
Former NFL tight end Jamie Williams, Craig’s lifelong friend who presented him for induction into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, said Craig’s announcement reflected his heart.
“Roger is always thinking about others,” Williams said, via text. “He was upset today that he didn’t have time to sign autographs. However, his biggest autograph contribution was putting a signature on his personal battle with dementia in order to help others fighting the same ailment, along with the research efforts therein.”
Former 49ers safety Tom Holmoe, a member of Craig’s 1983 draft class, recently noted that how Craig rarely missed practice during their seven seasons together despite being regularly “pummeled” in games. Craig’s 2,557 career touches rank 35th in NFL history. He ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in touches for five straight seasons (1985-1989).
“Roger kept that team together way more than people would ever imagine,” said Raymond Farris, Craig’s longtime trainer, earlier this week. “He was he was taking the hits. And he’s, unfortunately, experiencing some stuff today from it.”
Charisse Delgado receives a flu shot from LVN Sheila Aldana at a Kaiser Permanente clinic in Santa Clara on Oct. 3, 2019. The FDA has now approved the first mRNA flu vaccine, giving adults 50 and older a new option for the 2026-27 flu season.
Charisse Delgado receives a flu shot from LVN Sheila Aldana at a Kaiser Permanente clinic in Santa Clara on Oct. 3, 2019. The FDA has now approved the first mRNA flu vaccine, giving adults 50 and older a new option for the 2026-27 flu season.