NFL’s Roger Craig Reveals Dementia Diagnosis During Hall of Fame Acceptance Speech

Roger Craig is revealing sad news about his health.

The 66-year-old former San Francisco 49ers football player and new Pro Hall of Fame inductee revealed during a speech over the weekend that he’s been diagnosed with vascular dementia.

Roger Craig Reveals Vascular Dementia Diagnosis

He revealed that doctors think the condition was at least partly brought on by concussions sustained during his time in the league, via ESPN.

Doctors Believe NFL Concussions Contributed

“Two things can be true: Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I could imagine. It helped shape the man I became. At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played, and I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn’t feel right,” he said.

Find out more about vascular dementia, via MayoClinic:

Vascular dementia (vascular major cognitive impairment, major VCI, VaD). This term describes significant symptoms of dementia that affect daily living. Symptoms may be similar to vascular mild cognitive impairment but are more severe and may be more like symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Vascular dementia sometimes is called major vascular cognitive impairment.

Roger Craig Says His Diagnosis ‘Doesn’t Define Me’

“I want people to know this diagnosis doesn’t define me. I am still Roger Craig. I am still a father, a husband, a teammate, a friend and someone who loves this game and the people who brought it to my life. If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it’s worth it,” he added.

Watch the full speech here.

He player for the 49ers from 1983 to 1990, the Raiders in 1991, and the Vikings from 1992 to 1993 before his retirement. He signed a one-day contract with the 49ers to retire as a 49er.

Roger famously became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.

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