It took way too long.But the wait is finally over for legendary 49ers running back Roger Craig.
“You spend your whole life trying to prove if you belong,” Craig said in a pre-taped acceptance speech Saturday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
“And then one day you’re told you’re one of the all-time greats. Man, it’s overwhelming.”
It was one of the more poignant moments in the history of induction speeches. Craig preferred to record his remarks in advance rather than speaking live at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Craig, 66, revealed he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. Toward the end of his 10-minute video, he acknowledged concussions might have contributed to his current condition, but he expressed only appreciation for what the game provided for him and his family.
“I’m grateful,” Craig said. “I am grateful for this game. Grateful for the people it brought into my life. And grateful I can stand before you today, and call this journey a blessing.”
Craig wore No. 33 during his memorable eight-year run with the...