It took entirely too long, but legendary San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig is finally bound for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Craig, who retired after the 1993 season to conclude an 11-year career, was not inducted through the usual process and eventually landed his place in Canton via the nomination from the Seniors Committee.
Joining Craig in the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class are New England Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
While Craig’s numbers don’t jump off the page, his place in NFL history is essential to the modern game. He was the first player to modernize the running back position as a dual-threat runner and receiver. In 1985 he became the first player to ever reach 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. He’s still one of only three players to accomplish the feat.
Craig, a three-time Super Bowl champion, was informed of his induction by former teammate and fellow 49ers legend Ronnie Lott.
Craig was a member of the Hall of Fame’s 1980s all-decade team after being part of three Super Bowl champions during the 80s and helping spearhead the rise of head coach Bill Walsh and his West Coast offense.
“Roger Craig was a player who revolutionized the running back position, delivering one of the most historic individual seasons in NFL history to date,” 49ers ownership said in a statement. “Over the entirety of his career, Roger not only amassed high-level production and statistics as both a runner and pass catcher, but he helped the 49ers reach the ultimate goal of Super Bowl Championships with iconic performances. We applaud Roger for his induction and rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
The No. 49 overall pick in the 1983 draft finished his career with 8,189 rushing yards and 56 rushing touchdowns on 1,991 carries. He also hauled in 566 receptions for 4,911 yards and 17 receiving touchdowns. He was the 1988 Offensive Player of the Year when he led the NFL with 2,036 scrimmage yards. Craig was also a two-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler who finished third in MVP voting in the 1988 season.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: WATCH: 49ers legend finally bound for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Reporting by Kyle Madson, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
