Former San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is long overdue. He was a trailblazer for modern NFL running backs. Yet, his impressive resume and a recent campaign promoting his accomplishments weren't enough to help Craig earn a spot in Canton.
On Wednesday, fans learned that Craig's wait continues. The Hall of Fame senior voters narrowed down the list of senior candidates from 12 to three, and the former running back didn't make the cut. He will not be part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2024. The three who made it are linebacker Randy Gradishar, defensive tackle Steve McMichael, and wide receiver Art Powell.
Craig was the first player to record a "thousand-thousand" season when he had 1,050 rushing yards and 1,016 receiving yards in 1985. He also had 2,036 total yards from scrimmage in 1988, with 1,502 yards coming on the ground.
In 11 NFL seasons, Craig accumulated 4,911 receiving yards and 17 touchdown receptions, along with 8,189 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns on the ground. He added 606 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions to his 841 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns in 18 career playoff appearances.
Craig, a second-round pick by the 49ers in 1983, won three Super Bowls, was selected to four Pro Bowls, and was named a first-team All-Pro in 1988.
Each of Craig's NFL teams made the playoffs every season he played in the league.
49ers Webzone writer Marc Adams recently debuted the four-part series "The Hall of Fame Case for Roger Craig," featuring interviews with team legends like Steve Young and Ronnie Lott. The series was sent to the Hall of Fame senior voters. You can watch the first episode of the series below or on YouTube.
