New Hall of Famer Roger Craig reveals dementia diagnosis

CANTON, Ohio -- New Hall of Famer Roger Craig revealed during his taped acceptance speech Saturday that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia.

Craig, 66, said his doctors believe his condition came, in part, from concussions he sustained during his 11-year career as a running back. In his speech, Craig 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, and I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn't feel right."

Craig did not attend a news conference Thursday where the four other members of the 2026 class -- Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri and Luke Kuechly -- each held half-hour sessions with the media.

Craig waited 28 years to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after a career that saw him become the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.

Craig's emotion has been on display all weekend.

At Friday night's gold jacket dinner, he was overwhelmed with excitement when formerSan Francisco 49ersowner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. presented him with his jacket. On Saturday, former 49ers teammate and childhood friend Jamie Williams presented Craig for enshrinement to the Hall of Fame.

After announcing his diagnosis, Craig said, "Football gave me everything."

"I want people to know this diagnosis doesn't define me. I am still Roger Craig," he said. "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."

49ers coaches woreblack T-shirts with "Craig" and "33" on the back in white lettering during Saturday's practice to honor the former San Francisco legend.br/]