Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Roger Craig reveals vascular dementia diagnosis at Hall of Fame
Roger Craig was a famous football player who ran the ball for the San Francisco 49ers.
He helped his team win three Super Bowls in the 1980s.
He was so good that, in 1985, he became the first player ever to both run and catch for 1,000 yards in one season.
Many years later, he was chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a big honor for the best players ever.
He had to wait 28 years before getting picked.
At his special ceremony in Ohio, he gave a speech and shared some sad news.
Doctors told him he has vascular dementia, a disease that affects the brain.
His doctors think the disease might be connected to the head injuries he got while playing football.
Roger said the disease does not change who he is.
He wants other people to take care of their health and ask for help when something feels wrong.
Roger Craig revealed during his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia.
Craig, 66, waited 28 years after becoming eligible before the Hall of Fame called his name as a senior candidate.
In 1985, he became the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and catch passes for 1,000 yards in the same season.
His doctors believe the diagnosis may be related, at least in part, to concussions he experienced during his playing career.
Craig said the diagnosis does not define him and that sharing his story could help families and former players pay attention to their health.
- Who
- Roger Craig, the 66-year-old former San Francisco 49ers running back.
- What
- Revealed he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia, which doctors believe may be related, at least in part, to concussions he experienced during his career.
- When
- Saturday, during his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony, 28 years after he became eligible.
- Where
- Canton, Ohio. Craig's journey began in Davenport, Iowa.
- Why
- Craig shared the news to encourage people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn't feel right.
- Name
- Roger Craig
- Age
- 66
- Diagnosis
- Vascular dementia
- Doctors' assessment
- May be related, at least in part, to concussions during his career
- Career
- Running back for the San Francisco 49ers, drafted in the second round of the 1983 draft
- Career milestone
- First NFL player with 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in one season (1985)
- Super Bowls
- Three Super Bowl titles in the 1980s
- Hall of Fame wait
- 28 years after becoming eligible; selected as a senior candidate