Roger Craig earned his place in Canton on Saturday. He doubted it would ever come, having waited 28 years since he became eligible.
"You spend your whole life trying to prove you belong, and then one day, you're told you're one of the all-time greats," Craig said. "Man, it's overwhelming. I think about that kid from Davenport who loved football. I think about the journey more than anything â?? the early mornings, the doubts, the sacrifices. It all led here."
The 49ers selected Craig in the second round in 1983, and he became an integral part of their dynasty of the 1980s, winning three Super Bowl rings. Craig was the first player ever to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season, which came in 1985, and he led the NFL with 2,036 yards from scrimmage in 1988.
"[49ers coach Bill Walsh] didn't just want a running back. He wanted a complete football player," Craig said. "He trusted me to do whatever the team needed. That's why the 1,000 yards rushing, 1,000 yards receiving season means to much to me. We weren't chasing numbers. We were chasing W's â?? wins. I...