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49ers legend Roger Craig to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
San Francisco 49ers legend Roger Craig. RVR Photos-Imagn Images

49ers legend Roger Craig to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

The wait is over for San Francisco 49ers legend Roger Craig as he has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. According to NBC Bay Area's Raj Mathai, the official announcement is expected to come on Thursday during the NFL Honors show in San Francisco. 

Craig, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the 49ers, has been long overdue for the Hall of Fame selection. Many years of waiting and inching closer to the Hall have ultimately resulted in a snub, but finally the day is here. 

Craig was a focal point for the 49ers during their dynasty run in the 1980s, as the dual-threat running back in Bill Walsh's West Coast offense. He was Christian McCaffrey before Christian McCaffrey; Craig was the first player ever to record at least 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season in 1985. 

The only other players to achieve that feat in NFL history are McCaffrey and Marshall Faulk. Craig also led the league in receptions that same year with 92, according to Pro Football Reference. Craig is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988. 

He was a second-round pick by the 49ers in the 1983 NFL Draft out of Nebraska. He finished his career after 11 seasons in the NFL registering 8,189 yards on the ground and 4,911 yards receiving, which is ninth all-time among running backs. 

Craig was the pioneer for today's dual-threat running back. He was one of the first to redefine the position, showing the versatility by attacking through the running game and by catching the ball out of the backfield as well. This model is used more frequently in today's NFL. His legacy will now be cemented in pro football's highest honor, and many will say it's about time. 

Steve Penaloza

Hi, my name is Steve, I’m 37 years old from Los Angeles, CA. I’m a husband and father of three boys. I’m a lifelong sports fan, my favorite sports teams are the 49ers, Lakers, Dodgers and LA Kings

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