Roger Craig is a former American football player who played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He was born on July 10, 1960, in Davenport, Iowa, and attended the University of Nebraska, where he played college football.
Craig was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He quickly became a key player for the team, helping them win three Super Bowl championships in the 1980s. Craig was known for his versatility as a running back, as he was equally skilled at running, receiving, and blocking.
In his rookie season, Craig rushed for 725 yards and caught 48 passes for 427 yards, earning him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He continued to be a dominant force for the 49ers, rushing for over 1,000 yards in three seasons and catching over 70 passes in two seasons.
Craig was also a key player in the 49ers' passing game, as he was a reliable receiver out of the backfield. He caught 92 passes in 1985, setting a record for most receptions by a running back in a single season. He also caught 71 passes in 1988, helping the 49ers win their third Super Bowl championship.
Craig's success on the field earned him numerous accolades, including four Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro selections. He was also named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.
After leaving the 49ers in 1990, Craig played for the Los Angeles Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings before retiring in 1993. He finished his career with 8,189 rushing yards, 4,911 receiving yards, and 73 total touchdowns.
In addition to his football career, Craig has been involved in various business ventures and philanthropic efforts. He founded the Roger Craig Center for Entrepreneurship at San Jose State University and has been active in promoting healthy lifestyles and fitness.
Overall, Roger Craig was a dominant and versatile player who helped lead the San Francisco 49ers to three Super Bowl championships in the 1980s. His success on the field and off has made him a respected figure in the world of football and beyond.
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