San Francisco 49ers icon Roger Craig used the Pro Football Hall of Fame spotlight to reveal his medical ailment.
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Craig, a three-time Super Bowl winner, announced that he was diagnosed with vascular dementia on Saturday during his Hall of Fame speech.
During his pre-taped Hall of Fame acceptance speech, the former NFL star shared that concussions and the physical demands of playing running back may have contributed to his diagnosis. Still, Craig expressed gratitude for what his pro career provided for him and his family.
"I'm grateful," Craig said. "I am grateful for this game. Grateful for the people it brought into my life. And grateful I can stand before you today, and call this journey a blessing."
Roger Craig Reveals Dementia Diagnosis
In his speech, Craig, 66, explained that "the changes were gradual" and were initially "dismissed 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. I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health. And seek help when something doesn't feel right."
Craig added that his diagnosis will not define him.
"I want people to know this diagnosis doesn't define me. I am still Roger Craig," he said. "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."
Craig was a trailblazer during his time with the San Francisco 49ers. A former second-round pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, Craig became the first player in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.
Two years after he was drafted, Craig helped the 49ers secure their second Super Bowl championship. A few years later, Craig was a star running back for a 49ers unit that won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1989 and 1990.
Craig totaled 243 rushing yards, 214 receiving yards and four total touchdowns in his three Super Bowl appearances.
Overall, he rushed for 8,189 yards and 56 touchdowns across 11 NFL seasons. Craig ranks third in all-time rushing yards in 49ers franchise history.
Craig was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame alongside Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, and Adam Vinatieri.
