49ers Clubhouse - Roger Craig

Sheer determination, as well as talent, have made Roger Craig the most dangerous all-purpose back of his time in the NFL. Craig was a second-round draft choice out of Nebraska in 1983. He had an unusual high-stepping running style, a carryover from running high hurdles in high school. He was a classic leader-by-example for the 49ers, both with his great running and pass catching and with his incredible work ethic. His treadmark was is rigorous offseason workout regimen, which was so strenuous that wide receiver Jerry Rice was the only teammate who could stay with him. He had the speed to turn the corner on the sweep and a slashing, powerful style that made him an effective inside runner. Though not particularly elusive, Craig could break tackles becouse he always kept his legs churning, which enabled him to turn short gains into big plays.
Craig was un unselfish player who always did what his coach asked. Wendell Tyler was the main running back when Craig came to the 49ers, so he played fullback, where he was used as a runner, receiver and blocker. In 1985, Craig became the only player in NFL history to gain 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving, rushing for 1,050 yards and catching 92 passes for 1,016 yards.
When Tyler retired, Craig became the 49ers' main running threat, and he shattered the team's rushing record in 1988. His 1,502 rushing yards season was the finest ever had by a 49er running back, eclipsing Wendell Tyler's old rushing mark of 1,262 yards. To put Craig's 1988 season into better perspective, he gained 2,036 total yards in '88, nearly 35% of the 49ers' 5,900 yards of total offense. He might not have been a one man show, not on a team that also showcased Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. But no one else in the NFL was resposible for such a huge chunk of a team's offense.
Craig dedication probably shortned his career as top running back. In 1990 he tore a knee ligament, but he refused to give the injury time to heal.
Craig has come a long way from his days as a track, football and wrestling star in his hometown of Davenport, Iowa. Despite life in the big time, he clings to his small town values. Success comes only through hard work, he says, and that attitude paid off when he finally made it to the NFL. Craig was never content, never satisfied to have done everything he could do. He thought that attitude is important whatevet you are doing.