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Roger Craig paid the price to reach the mountaintop. He has no regrets

During his Hall of Fame induction speech, Craig revealed he has vascular dementia. He's not letting the diagnosis define him.

Published: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 9:30 AM
Roger Craig paid the price to reach the mountaintop. He has no regrets
Key Things to Know
  • Roger Craig has no regrets about his NFL career despite living with a diagnosis of vascular dementia.
  • The former San Francisco 49ers running back was recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
  • Craig's family plans to establish The 33 Foundation to aid retired players seeking dementia treatment.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Former San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig reflects on his storied NFL career and his battle with vascular dementia following his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Despite living with the diagnosis stemming from traumatic brain injuries sustained during his playing days, the 66-year-old three-time Super Bowl champion maintains an optimistic outlook and insists he has no regrets about his physical style of play.

Craig revealed his diagnosis during his Hall of Fame induction speech, inspiring his family to plan The 33 Foundation to support retired players and raise dementia awareness. Supported by his wife Vernessia and family, Craig remains active, undergoing transcranial magnetic stimulation to stabilize his symptoms while cherishing time with his children and grandchildren.

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