The San Francisco 49ers would like to congratulate former RB Roger Craig on being named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Statement from San Francisco 49ers Ownership on Craig:
“Roger Craig was a player who revolutionized the running back position, delivering one of the most historic individual seasons in NFL history to date. 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.”
Craig was originally selected by San Francisco in the second round (49th overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft. He spent the first eight years (1983-90) of his 11-year career with the 49ers, appearing in 121 games (116 starts) and registering 1,686 carries for 7,064 yards (4.2 average) and 50 touchdowns on the ground to go along with 508 receptions for 4,442 yards (8.7 average) and 16 touchdowns through the air. Craig ranks in the top five in franchise history in rushing attempts (second), rushing touchdowns (tied for second), rushing yards (third), yards from scrimmage (11,506 – third), receptions (fourth) and total touchdowns (66 – fourth). His 508 receptions and 4,442 receiving yards are the most by a running back in franchise history. He also started in all 16 postseason contests he appeared in and notched 202 carries for 817 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground to go along with 63 receptions for 606 yards and two receiving touchdowns. Craig was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 1980’s All-Decade Team in 2010 and was inducted into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame in 2011.
A three-time Super Bowl Champion (XIX, XXIII & XXIV), two-time All-Pro (Second-Team – 1985; First-Team – 1988) and four-time Pro Bowl selection (1986 & 1988-90), Craig redefined the role of the modern day running back. He helped the 49ers win Super Bowl XIX by becoming the first player in the Super Bowl Era to register three-or-more total touchdowns (two receiving & one rushing). In 1985, Craig registered 1,050 rushing yards and 1,016 receiving yards, becoming the first player to reach 1,000-or-more rushing yards and 1,000-or-more receiving yards in a single season, a feat that has only been accomplished two other times in NFL history. In 1988, Craig was named the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year after he registered 310 carries for 1,502 yards and nine touchdowns and added 76 receptions for 534 yards and one touchdown through the air. His 2,036 yards from scrimmage led the NFL that season, while his 1,502 rushing yards ranked third. Craig is also a two-time recipient of the team’s Len Eshmont Award (1985 & 1988), the 49ers most prestigious annual honor, which is given each year to the player who best exemplifies the “inspirational and courageous play” of Len Eshmont.
