Roger Craig Disclosed Diagnosis of Vascular Dementia
The former 49ers running back will receive a Ring of Excellence during a halftime ceremony on October 4.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
Former 49ers star Roger Craig has revealed he is living with vascular dementia. The diagnosis follows an 11-year professional football career that doctors have linked to the traumatic brain injuries he sustained on the field.
Why it matters
Craig's disclosure sheds light on the long-term cognitive health impacts faced by retired professional athletes. His experience highlights the progression of neurological decline, which family members first noticed during the pandemic lockdown.
Roger Craig is 66 years old, following an 11-year professional football career. While he has received a diagnosis of vascular dementia linked to brain injuries, his current treatment plan is limited to Vitamin D supplements.
The players
Roger Craig
The former 49ers running back who played professionally for 11 years.
The details
Craig, who no longer drives, shared that medical testing confirmed the condition after his family grew concerned about his cognitive health in 2020 and 2021. He continues to exhibit symptoms often associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. He will be honored by the team with a Ring of Excellence ceremony held at halftime.
Timeline
2016: The first warning sign appeared.
2020-2021: Family members observed cognitive deterioration during the pandemic lockdown.
October 4, 2026: Craig receives a Ring of Excellence at halftime.
Across the Bay
Craig's public disclosure reflects a growing pattern of former professional athletes discussing the long-term neurological consequences of contact sports. It mirrors the broader scrutiny of the NFL concussion settlement as players address the cognitive realities following their retirement.
Fans attending the upcoming game on October 4 will see the team present the Ring of Excellence during the halftime show. Supporters can watch the ceremony at the stadium or via local broadcast.
The takeaway
Craig's experience illustrates how cognitive health can shift years after professional athletic retirement. Residents interested in neurological health can follow updates regarding CTE research through public medical forums.
Further reading
Find more coverage on aging and cognitive health in the San Francisco Alzheimer’s section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
