SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A day meant to celebrate five new inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame also served as a sobering reminder of the dangers of professional football.
During his induction speech, legendary San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig, 66, revealed that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. Craig said his doctors believe the condition may be related to concussions he suffered during his NFL career.
"Two things can be true," Craig said. "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.
Craig said the changes he experienced were gradual, initially seeming like normal signs of aging before his family also began noticing them, according to The Athletic. His diagnosis comes as the families of several former NFL players have had their brains examined for signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, in recent years.
Craig said he hopes sharing his experience will encourage others to pay attention to changes in their health and seek medical help when needed.
Craig was selected for the 2026 Hall of Fame class by the senior committee after playing 11 NFL seasons from 1983 to 1993, according to The Bleacher Report. He was a key member of the 49ers teams coached by Bill Walsh alongside Hall of Famers Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Ronnie Lott. Craig remains third in 49ers history in rushing yards, with 7,064, and 12th in receiving yards, with 4,442.
"Football gave me everything. Opportunity, discipline, life-long friends and the platform to grow as a man," Craig said.
Craig was one of five players inducted Saturday, joining former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald, former Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly and longtime Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri. Brees, Fitzgerald, Kuechly and Vinatieri were selected as modern-era finalists, while Craig entered the Hall as a senior candidate, according to ESPN.
The five were honored during the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio.
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