Roger Craig reveals dementia diagnosis (Getty Images)Roger Craig used his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction to reveal a deeply personal health battle, announcing that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia at 66. In a pre-taped speech shown Saturday, Aug. 8, the former San Francisco 49ers running back said doctors believe the condition “may be related, at least in part, to the concussions” he suffered during his 11-year NFL career. Craig said the changes in his health developed slowly and were first seen as part of normal aging. His decision to speak publicly added a personal dimension to an otherwise celebratory weekend.What did Roger Craig reveal about his vascular dementia diagnosis?Roger Craig said his health changes “were gradual” and initially “dismissed as normal aging.” It was only after his family began noticing changes that he and those close to him sought medical advice.“Over time, my family noticed it too and ultimately led us to seek answers from my doctor,” the athlete continued. “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.”The Alzheimer’s Association describes vascular dementia as “a decline in thinking skills caused by conditions that block or reduce blood flow to various regions of the brain, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients.” Symptoms can include confusion, trouble finding words, problems with attention and planning, slowed thinking and memory difficulties, according to the Mayo Clinic.Craig did not attend the media conference held Thursday for the other members of the 2026 Hall of Fame class. Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri and Luke Kuechly each spoke with reporters during the event.His absence became more significant after the diagnosis was disclosed. Craig instead shared his story through the taped induction speech, choosing to address his health on his own terms.How has Roger Craig responded to his diagnosis and NFL legacy?Craig has not separated his health battle from his feelings about football. He acknowledged the risks while making it clear that his career remains an important part of his identity.“Football gave me everything,” Craig reiterated. “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,” he added. “If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it’s worth it.”That message carried extra weight during a weekend that marked the end of Craig’s long wait for Hall of Fame recognition. He spent 28 years waiting for enshrinement after a career that helped reshape what an NFL running back could do.Craig became the first NFL player to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season. Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey are the only other players to match that feat, according to NBC Sports. Craig also made four Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowls with the 49ers during his 11 seasons with San Francisco, the Los Angeles Raiders and Minnesota Vikings.The 49ers made sure his presence was felt even as he remained away from the media spotlight. Coaches wore black shirts carrying “Craig” and “33” during practice Saturday, honoring one of the most influential players in franchise history.Craig's emotional weekend had already begun Friday, when former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. presented him with his gold jacket. Former teammate and childhood friend Jamie Williams later presented him for induction.The diagnosis did not erase those achievements. Instead, Craig used the biggest recognition of his football life to raise a broader point about health, awareness and asking for help when something feels different.