Roger Craig Reflects on Dementia Diagnosis Amidst NFL Legacy
The former 49ers star, diagnosed with vascular dementia, shares his perspective on his career and health.
Former San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has opened up about his diagnosis with vascular dementia, a condition his family believes is linked to his 11-year NFL career. Craig's wife, Vernessia, stated that his condition has stabilized in recent years.
Craig, 66, no longer drives but remains self-sufficient and is otherwise in good health, taking only Vitamin D supplements. However, he also exhibits symptoms associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that can only be definitively diagnosed posthumously.
His family began noticing changes in Craig during the pandemic lockdown. His son, Rogdrick, observed that his father "stopped using his brain in ways that he did before." Vernessia recalled an instance about a decade ago when Craig forgot a planned dinner meeting, which served as an early warning sign.
Doctors officially diagnosed Craig with vascular dementia after he underwent further testing. They informed him that the condition was related to traumatic brain injuries sustained during his playing career. While the exact number of concussions Craig suffered is unknown, his family noted that there was a season where he was knocked out two or three times but continued to play.
Despite the challenges, Craig expressed a sense of acceptance regarding his past. "I don’t regret it," he told The Athletic. "… I loved the hit."
Craig is scheduled to receive his Ring of Excellence at halftime of the 49ers’ game on Sunday.