NFL legend Roger Craig announced on Saturday that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia, a condition his doctors believe may be linked to concussions sustained during his football career. The 66-year-old running back shared the news in a pre-recorded segment of his enshrinement speech at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Craig, best known for his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers where he won three Super Bowl rings, was one of five inductees for 2026. He played in the NFL for 11 seasons from 1983 to 1993, also spending time with the Los Angeles Raiders and Minnesota Vikings. His position as a running back exposed him to thousands of impacts over his career, playing 183 games in the league.
"Today, there is another chapter I want to share," Craig stated in his recorded remarks. "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."
He was the only inductee not to speak live at the podium, a decision attributed to the progression of his illness. Craig acknowledged the dual nature of his experience with football, stating, "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."
Craig expressed hope that sharing his story would encourage others to prioritize their health and seek medical attention when needed. "I want people to know this diagnosis doesn't define me," he added. "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."
Vascular dementia is the second most common form of dementia, following Alzheimer's disease. It results from conditions that impede blood flow to the brain, potentially affecting memory, cognitive functions, and behavior, according to NBC.
Craig concluded by emphasizing the positive impact of football on his life, citing the opportunity, discipline, friendships, and personal growth it provided. "If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it's worth it," he said.