Roger Timothy Craig (born July 10, 1960) is one of the most innovative and influential running backs in NFL history, a player whose versatility helped redefine the modern offense. Born in Preston, Mississippi and raised in Davenport, Iowa, Craig became a multi‑sport standout at Davenport Central High School, where he rushed for 1,565 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior and developed the high‑knee running style that would become his trademark. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-0, 222-pound Craig quickly emerged as a perfect fit for Bill Walsh’s West Coast Offense. His strengths were unmistakable: exceptional vision, elite receiving ability, punishing inside running, and unmatched conditioning. He became the league’s prototype dual‑threat back, earning Pro Bowl honors at both fullback and halfback — a rare distinction that underscored his adaptability and football intelligence. Craig was the first NFL player to have 1,00...
