Legendary NFL running back Roger Craig revealed that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia during his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech on Saturday.
The 11-year NFL pro, now 66, is most famous for his time with the San Francisco 49ers, where he won three Super Bowl rings.
His incredible talents have now landed him in Canton, but he stunned the audience during his pre-recorded speech by announcing his devastating diagnosis.
‘Today, there is another chapter I want to share,’ Craig began, in remarks played to the crowd inside the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, and millions watching from home live on ESPN.
‘I’ve 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 was the only inductee of the five on Saturday to not speak live at the podium, a decision that is believed to be due to the increasing severity of his illness.
Roger Craig takes the applause of the crowd in Canton during his Hall of Fame unveiling
Craig is a legendary running back who won three Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers
‘Two things could be true,’ he added. ‘Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I can 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.
‘I want people to know this diagnosis doesn’t define me. I am still Roger Craig. 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. Football gave me everything: opportunity, discipline, lifelong friends, and the platform to grow as a man.’
Craig spoke in a pre-recorded segment to announce that he has dementia at the age of 66
Luke Kuechly, Larry Fitzgerald, Adam Vinatieri, Craig and Drew Brees (L-R) are 2026 inductees
Craig played 183 games in the NFL, taking thousands of brutal hits on the field for 11 years
Craig played in the NFL from 1983 to 1993, moving on to the Los Angeles Raiders and Minnesota Vikings after his time in San Francisco.
He did not speak publicly in the wake of being announced as a 2026 Hall of Fame inductee, and used his platform on Saturday to update fans for the first time.
Vascular dementia is the second most-common dementia disorder behind Alzheimer’s, per NBC, who add that it is ’caused by conditions that limit blood flow to the brain and can lead to problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.’
Craig’s position as a running back meant that he faced thousands of brutal hits during his career, in which he played four seasons at Nebraska in college, and then 183 games in the NFL.
