Roger Craig

Biography

Roger Timothy Craig (born July 10, 1960) is one of the most innovative and influential running backs in NFL history, a player whose versatility helped redefine the modern offense. Born in Preston, Mississippi and raised in Davenport, Iowa, Craig became a multi‑sport standout at Davenport Central High School, where he rushed for 1,565 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior and developed the high‑knee running style that would become his trademark. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-0, 222-pound Craig quickly emerged as a perfect fit for Bill Walsh’s West Coast Offense. His strengths were unmistakable: exceptional vision, elite receiving ability, punishing inside running, and unmatched conditioning. He became the league’s prototype dual‑threat back, earning Pro Bowl honors at both fullback and halfback — a rare distinction that underscored his adaptability and football intelligence. Craig was the first NFL player to have 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season, a feat that remains one of the most iconic milestones in league history. Craig delivered some of the most memorable performances of the 49ers’ dynasty. In Super Bowl XIX, he became the first player ever to score three touchdowns in a Super Bowl, totaling 135 yards from scrimmage in a 38–16 win over Miami. His 1,000‑1,000 season in 1985 remains one of the most celebrated individual achievements in NFL history. And in the 1988 playoffs, he powered San Francisco to another championship with 262 combined yards and two touchdowns across two postseason games, including eight catches for 101 yards in Super Bowl XXIII — making him the first running back to record 100 receiving yards in a Super Bowl. Craig’s legacy was formally cemented in 2026 when he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame after a decades‑long wait, recognized as “a pioneer” whose skill set helped shape the modern NFL. After retiring, Craig built a successful business career, serving as VP of Business Development at TIBCO Software. He also became an avid marathon runner, completing more than 38 races, and remains an active ambassador for fitness, discipline, and the 49ers community.