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NFL hero Roger Craig confirms heartbreaking news during Hall of Fame speech 66-year-old NFL legend Roger Craig revealed he received a heartbreaking medical diagnosis during a taped induction speech to the Pro Football Hall of Fame NFL legend Roger Craig revealed during his Pro Football Hall of Fame acceptance speech that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia. Craig is one of five NFL legends to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class this week. In a pre-taped speech, during which Craig was in the crowd in Canton, Ohio, the 66-year-old revealed that he had been diagnosed with dementia which doctors believed came as a result of the concussions he sustained throughout his 11-year pro football career. It comes after legendary NFL running back Chris Johnson was tragically diagnosed with ALS earlier this summer. Craig said in his speech that “changes were gradual” and his condition was initially “dismissed as normal aging.” "Over time, my family noticed it too and ultimately led us to seek answers from my doctor," Craig 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." Craig played as a running back for the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Raiders, and Minnesota Vikings between 1983 and 1993, winning three Super Bowl titles and accruing 8,189 total rushing yards and 56 rushing touchdowns. Having retired in 1993, Craig waited for 28 years to be enshrined into the Hall of Fame. On Saturday, he was formally inducted alongside Larry Fitzgerald, Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri, and Luke Kuechly, all of whom are significantly younger than Craig. The link between playing professional football and future degenerative brain injuries has come to the forefront in recent years, much more so than when Craig was a player in the late 20th century. The NFL has taken steps to mitigate potential injury and damage with new helmet designs, the introduction of guardian caps, and strict rules intended to protect players from taking hits to the head during games. However, there remains a risk, and Craig speaking out about the impact playing in the NFL may have had on his diagnosis spoke volumes about the dangers that still persist in the modern game. After announcing his diagnosis, Craig said, "Football gave me everything.” "I want people to know this diagnosis doesn't define me. I am still Roger Craig," he said. "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."