Roger Craig used one of the biggest moments of his football life to reveal something far more personal: he has been diagnosed with dementia, and his doctors believe it may be tied in part to the concussions he sustained during his NFL career.
The longtime 49ers star was finally enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday in Canton, where he received his bust after a long wait. Instead of speaking live, Craig pre-recorded his Hall of Fame address, and in that message he opened up about the health issue he recently learned he has: vascular dementia, also known as vascular major cognitive impairment.
Craig said the condition came into focus gradually, and that his family noticed the changes as well.
“My doctors believe [it] may be related, at least in part, to the concussions I experienced during my career,” Craig said. “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. 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.”
He made clear that the diagnosis does not change who he is.
“I want people to know this diagnosis doesn’t define me,” Craig said. “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.”
Craig, 66, was the oldest member of this year’s Hall of Fame class and was elected by the senior committee. The four-time Pro Bowler built a reputation as one of the league’s toughest tailbacks, missing just six games during his eight years with San Francisco, five of them in his final season. He also played through a long list of injuries over the course of his career.
He remains best known for becoming the first player to finish a season with 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards.
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