Legendary 49ers running back Roger Craig is once again on the cusp of finally being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was announced as one of 12 senior candidate semifinalists for the 2024 Hall of Fame class.
Craig set a new standard for NFL running backs during his eight-year tenure with the 49ers. In 1985 he led the NFL with 92 receptions while becoming the first player to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. Only two players (Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey) have done it since.
He was a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, the Offensive Player of the Year in 1988 when he led the league in scrimmage yards, and a three-time Super Bowl champion who was named to the Hall of Fame’s all-decade team for the 1980s. Craig finished his career with 8,189 rushing yards, 4,911 receiving yards and 73 total touchdowns.
It would be appropriate for Craig to finally be inducted during a time where running back versatility is becoming more necessary at the position.
The journey to Canton has been a long one for Craig, and now he’s just a couple steps away from finally getting there.
