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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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Roger Craig, a dual-threat runner and receiver who was instrumental to the San Francisco 49ers' success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, made a sad announcement on Aug. 8 when he was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
As reported by Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press, Craig revealed during his induction speech that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia.
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According to the Alzheimer's Association, vascular dementia is a decline in thinking skills caused by conditions that block or reduce blood flow to various regions of the brain, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients.
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Vascular dementia is the second most common dementia diagnosis after Alzheimer’s disease, according to the National Institute on Aging, and can occur alone or alongside another form of dementia.
Craig gave his induction speech on video during the ceremony in Canton, Ohio.
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The 66-year-old said his doctors believe “it may be related, at least in part, to the concussions” he experienced during his playing career.
“The changes were gradual,” Craig said. “At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed, too.”
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After eight seasons in San Francisco (1983-90), Craig played one season with the Oakland Raiders (1991) and two with the Minnesota Vikings (1992-93) before retiring.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Craig won Super Bowls with the 49ers in 1985, 1989 and 1990.
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In just his third NFL season (1985), Craig became the first player in league history to surpass 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. Only two players have achieved the feat since.
Craig was named the 1988 Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year after his second season of 2,000 or more yards from scrimmage, including a then-team record 1,502 rushing yards. He retired with 8,189 yards rushing and 56 touchdowns, in addition to 566 catches for 4,911 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Craig was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his third time as a finalist, in his 28th year of eligibility.
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