The NFL officially announced Thursday that San Francisco 49ers legend Roger Craig has been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A pioneer who helped redefine the running back position, Craig's long-awaited enshrinement cements his place among the game's all-time greats.
Craig is part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, which includes quarterback Drew Brees, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, linebacker Luke Kuechly, and kicker Adam Vinatieri.
The emotional moment Craig learned the news came courtesy of former 49ers teammates Ronnie Lott and Charles Haley, who delivered the knock on his door to tell him his wait was finally over.
When Roger Craig opened the door, everything changed. See his Hall of Fame moment in "Hall of Fame Knocks: Class of 2026," on NFL Network, Saturday, Feb. 7, at 10 p.m. EST. Class of 2026 presented by @VisualEdgeIT. @49ers @NFL @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/f18ZmyvJZq
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 6, 2026
Craig spent 11 seasons in the NFL, including eight with the 49ers, where he became a cornerstone of the franchise's 1980s dynasty. Known for his signature high-knee running style and versatility as a dual-threat weapon in head coach Bill Walsh's West Coast offense, Craig transformed the expectations for the modern running back.
In 1985, Craig became the first player in NFL history to record at least 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. He finished with 1,050 rushing yards and a league-leading 92 receptions for 1,016 receiving yards.
Craig went on to win three Super Bowls with the 49ers (XIX, XXIII, XXIV) and made history in Super Bowl XIX by becoming the first player to score three touchdowns in a single Super Bowl.
His 1988 season further solidified his legacy. Craig was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for a career-high 1,502 yards and totaling 2,036 yards from scrimmage.
Craig later spent one season with the Los Angeles Raiders (1991) and two with the Minnesota Vikings (1992–1993). He concluded his career with four Pro Bowl selections (1985, 1987–1989), two All-Pro honors (first-team in 1988, second-team in 1985), and a spot on the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.
With his Hall of Fame selection, the 49ers icon finally receives the recognition many believe has been long overdue.
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