7. Roger Craig

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It is difficult to understand why Roger Craig had to wait for ten years to be nominated for the Football Hall of Fame, given his strong credentials. Craig was an essential player in every offensive play during his prime. Although he began his career as a fullback, it soon became apparent that he was equally skilled at carrying the ball and blocking for others. In 1986, he made history by becoming the first football player to both rush and catch for 1,000 yards each. Opposing defences were intimidated by his high-knee running style and had to keep a close eye on him during every play.

Craig played a significant role in three Super Bowl Championship teams. Despite his innovative style, he is often overlooked due to the fact that he played alongside some of the most high-prolific offensive stars in football. Critics have suggested that he was merely a beneficiary of the great performances of his teammates, such as Montana and Rice. Nevertheless, Roger Craig was a valuable weapon for the 49ers' offence, and although there may be some debate around his place in the Hall of Fame, he undoubtedly deserved more consideration than he received, although the 2020 Blue Ribbon Finalist spot is a promising sign.



Should Roger Craig be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 88.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.7%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3.5%
No opinion. - 0.3%
No way! - 2.1%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Davenport, Iowa, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Friday, 01 January 1999
  • Position: Fullback, Running Back
  • Games Played: 165
  • Notable Statistics: 1,991 Rushing Attempts
    8,189 Rushing Yards
    56 Rushing Touchdowns
    566 Receptions
    4,911 Receiving Yards
    17 Receiving Touchdowns
    3 Kick Returns
    43 Kick Return Yards
    115 Approximate Value

    18 Playoff Games
    208 Rushing Attempts
    841 Rushing Yards
    7 Rushing Touchdowns
    63 Receptions
    606 Receiving Yards
    4 Kick Returns
    48 Kick Return Yards
    2 Receiving Touchdowns
  • Played For: Los Angeles Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers
  • College: Nebraska
  • Drafted: 2nd Round, 49th Overall in 1993
  • Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (3) (San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl XIX, XXIII & XXIV)
    NEA MVP (1) (1988)
    AP Offensive Player of the Year (1) (1988)
    UPI Offensive Player of the Year (1) (1988)
    NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
    First Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1988)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1985)
    Pro Bowl Selections (4) (1985, 1987, 1988 & 1989)
    Most Receptions (1) (1985)
    Most Yards from Scrimmage (1) (1988)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (2) (1985 & 1988)
    Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Attempts (3) (1987, 1988 & 1989)
    Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards (3) (1987, 1988 & 1999)
    Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Touchdowns (2) (1985 & 1988)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards per Rushing Attempt (2) (1985 & 1988)
    Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards per Game (1) (1988)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (4) (1985, 1986, 1987 & 1988)
    Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (2) (1983 & 1985)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards from Scrimmage (5) (1985, 1986, 1987, 1988 & 1989)
    Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (3) (1985, 1987 & 1988)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 43. Rushing Attempts: 1,994
    46. Rushing Yards: 8,189
    47. Yards From Scrimmage: 13,100
    60. Rushing Touchdowns: 56
    71. All-Purpose Yards: 13,143 
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: Finalist: 2010 & 2020
    Semi Finalist: 2009

Should Roger Craig be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 88.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.7%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3.5%
No opinion. - 0.3%
No way! - 2.1%
Last modified on Monday, 06 May 2024 20:01

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