Roger Craig Moves One Step Closer to Canton: 49ers Legend Named Hall of Fame Finalist
For years, Roger Craig has stood as one of the most glaring omissions from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A central figure in one of the NFL’s most iconic dynasties, Craig did more than just rack up yards-he helped redefine what it meant to be a running back in the modern game. Now, after decades of waiting, the San Francisco 49ers legend is one step away from football immortality.
The NFL has announced its latest group of Hall of Fame finalists, and Craig is among them. He joins former MVP quarterback Ken Anderson and dominant Steelers pass rusher L.C.
Greenwood as senior candidates, while New England Patriots icons Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft round out the group as coach and contributor finalists, respectively. For Craig, this is the closest he’s been to finally earning a gold jacket and a permanent place in Canton.
A Dual-Threat Pioneer
When you think of the 1980s 49ers, Joe Montana is the first name that comes to mind-and rightfully so. But right behind him, in terms of both production and impact, was No.
- Craig was the heartbeat of the backfield, a player who could beat you between the tackles or split out wide and torch linebackers in coverage.
He was ahead of his time, and the numbers back it up.
Craig made four Pro Bowls and earned two All-Pro nods during his career. He piled up over 13,000 yards from scrimmage, a staggering total that puts him in elite company. He finished with more receptions than Hall of Fame tight end Kellen Winslow and more rushing yards than Hall of Fame fullback Larry Csonka-an illustration of just how versatile and productive he was.
But what truly sets Craig apart is the historic 1985 season when he became the first running back in NFL history to record 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same year. Only two players-Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey-have matched that feat since. That season earned Craig the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award and solidified his status as a game-changer.
A Key Cog in a Legendary Machine
Craig wasn’t just a stat accumulator-he was a winner. He played a crucial role in three Super Bowl championships with the 49ers, serving as the primary backfield weapon in an offense that revolutionized the NFL under Bill Walsh. His ability to excel in both the run and pass game made the West Coast offense hum, providing Montana with a reliable, dynamic option on every down.
Still, for all his accolades, Craig’s Hall of Fame case has long been stuck in neutral. Part of that is the challenge of standing out on a roster loaded with legends.
Hall of Fame voters have historically been cautious about inducting too many players from a single dynasty, and Craig may have been a victim of that hesitancy. His post-49ers years-three seasons as a backup with the Raiders and Vikings-also didn’t help his case, as his prime was relatively short compared to other Hall of Famers.
But make no mistake-his prime was elite.
A Resume That Speaks for Itself
Few players can match Craig’s combination of team success, individual accolades, and historical significance. He wasn’t just part of a great team-he helped shape one of the greatest eras in football history. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways opened the door for the modern, multi-dimensional backs we see today.
Now, with his name among the 2026 Hall of Fame finalists, Craig is closer than ever to getting the recognition he’s long deserved. For 49ers fans, and for anyone who watched him play, the hope is that this long-overdue honor finally becomes reality.
It’s not just about stats or rings-it’s about legacy. And Roger Craig’s legacy belongs in Canton.