Roger Craig, the former Nebraska Cornhuskers running back, had an impressive career both in college and the NFL. Let’s dive into his journey:
College Career at Nebraska:
- Craig played three full seasons for the University of Nebraska. He was an integral part of Coach Tom Osborne’s I-formation option offense.
- In his Nebraska career, Craig rushed for 2,446 yards and scored 26 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 6 yards per carry.
- His top rushing game during the 1982 season was a 127-yard performance in the regular-season finale against Hawaii.
NFL Career:
- After college, Craig went on to play in the National Football League (NFL). He had a remarkable professional career with three different teams:
- San Francisco 49ers: Craig spent the majority of his NFL career with the 49ers. He won three Super Bowls with the team and went to four Pro Bowls.
- Los Angeles Raiders: In 1991, he played a season with the Raiders.
- Minnesota Vikings: Craig’s final two seasons were with the Vikings.
- Notably, he was the first NFL player to achieve 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season, a feat later matched by Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey.
- Craig’s distinctive high knee running form and versatility made him a standout player in both college and the NFL.
Post-Retirement:
- Craig announced his retirement after the 1993 season and signed a one-day contract with the 49ers to retire as a member of the team.
- Today, he works as the VP of Business Development at TIBCO Software.
Hall of Fame Consideration:
- Craig has been one of the most decorated former Husker running backs in school history.
- He was named a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023 and continues to be recognized for his outstanding contributions to the game.
So, while his playing days are behind him, Roger Craig’s impact on football remains significant. From Nebraska to the NFL, he left a lasting legacy.