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CANTON, OH – San Francisco 49ers great and 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Roger Craig revealed during his induction speech that he has been diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia.
According to the Mayo Clinic, vascular dementia – also known as vascular cognitive impairment – describes changes in thinking and memory that occur when there isn’t enough blood flow to part of the brain
Doctors told Craig, he said, that the diagnosis could be “related, at least in part, to concussions from my career.”
The changes were gradual and easy to dismiss due to aging, Craig said. But he noticed daily life becoming more difficult, and eventually his family noticed.
The first player in NFL history to surpass 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in the same season, Craig said he hopes sharing his story encourages someone to seek help if they feel that something isn’t right.
“At the same time, we know more about brain health than when I played,” said Craig.
Craig participated in all Hall activities during induction weekend, except for speaking engagements. His speech was a prerecorded video rather than a live talk from the podium onstage.
“I want people to know this diagnosis doesn’t define me,” Craig said. “I am still Roger Craig.
“If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it’s worth it.”