Ad Disclosure
Roger Craig reveals dementia diagnosis during Hall of Fame speech
Published:
Nebraska legend Roger Craig was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday in Canton, Ohio.
Craig’s speech included the revelation that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. He also said doctors have attributed the diagnosis, at least in-part, to injuries he suffered during his football career.
“I have been diagnosed with vascular dementia that my doctors believe may be related, at least in-part, to the concussions I experienced during my career,” Craig said in a pre-taped video. “The changes were gradual. At first, they were easy to dismiss as normal aging. Over time, my family noticed it too and ultimately led us to seek answers from my doctor. 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, 66, played 11 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the San Francisco 49ers. In 1985, he became the first player in NFL history to record 1,000+ rushing and 1,000+ receiving yards in the same season. In 1988, Craig won Offensive Player of the Year honors and finished 3rd in MVP voting after rushing for more than 1,500 yards.
Like our coverage? Make Saturday Tradition a preferred source in your searches!
His NFL career included 3 Super Bowl titles and he was a member of the NFL’s All-1980’s team. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame comes more than 30 years after he last played a down in the NFL.
Craig spent 4 seasons with Nebraska and was a primary option for Tom Osborne from 1980-82. In total, he rushed for over 2,600 yards and 26 touchdowns during his time in Lincoln.
“I want people to know this diagnosis doesn’t define me. I am still Roger Craig,” he added. “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.”
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.