Former 49ers RB Roger Craig elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Craig was the first player in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards in both rushing and receiving in the same season.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 9:47pm by Ben Kaplan

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Former San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig, a record-setting dual-threat player as a runner and receiver, was elected as one of the newest members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday. Craig played eight seasons for the 49ers and was a three-time Super Bowl champion during San Francisco's dynasty years.

Why it matters

Craig's election to the Hall of Fame recognizes his status as one of the most versatile and dominant running backs of his era, helping lead the 49ers to multiple Super Bowl titles in the 1980s. His accomplishments as the first player to reach 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season cement his legacy as an innovative and dynamic offensive threat.

The details

Craig was the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year and First-team All-Pro in 1988, and was named to the Pro Bowl four times in his career. He is also a member of the San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame. A former track-and-field hurdles champion at the University of Nebraska, Craig's running style was distinctive, with his churning legs and high-knees often bowling over linebackers and defensive backs.

  • Craig was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on February 6, 2026.
  • Craig was the first player in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards in both rushing and receiving in the same season in 1985.

The players

Roger Craig

A former running back who played eight seasons for the San Francisco 49ers, winning three Super Bowls and being named to the Pro Bowl four times. He was the first player in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards in both rushing and receiving in the same season.

Marshall Faulk

An NFL running back who matched Craig's feat of reaching 1,000 yards in both rushing and receiving in the same season, accomplishing the feat in 1999.

Christian McCaffrey

An NFL running back who matched Craig's feat of reaching 1,000 yards in both rushing and receiving in the same season, accomplishing the feat in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“Roger Craig was one of the most dynamic and versatile players of his era, and his election to the Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor.”

— John Madden, Former NFL coach and broadcaster (NFL Network)

What’s next

Craig will be formally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Canton, Ohio later this year.

The takeaway

Craig's election to the Hall of Fame solidifies his legacy as one of the most innovative and dominant running backs in NFL history, helping to redefine the position with his ability to excel as both a runner and receiver. His accomplishments serve as an inspiration for modern dual-threat backs like Christian McCaffrey.