Eleven years in the NFL are enough, Roger Craig says. It's time for his family now.
Craig told the Quad City Times that he's going to retire next month, and he'll do it with a unique twist. First he'll sign with the San Francisco 49ers, the team with which he had his best years. Then he'll immediately announce his retirement at a press conference.Jim Steiner, Craig's agent, worked out the retirement idea with 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo Jr. and club president Carmen Policy.
"It's going to be a great way to go out," Craig told the Times.
The former Davenport Central and Nebraska star spent his first eight seasons as a pro with the 49ers and helped them win three Super Bowls. He went to the Los Angeles Raiders for the 1991 season and played for the Minnesota Vikings the last two years.
Family considerations were a factor in Craig deciding against playing one more season. He and his wife Vernessia have four children who are active in track, karate and football.
"I want to be around more for the kids," Craig said. "This is a special time for them and I can't imagine missing their activities anymore.
"It seemed like I was always in offseason training or in training camp and they had to tell me about what they were doing instead of me being there to watch them."
Craig, 34, said he decided during the 1993 season to retire. He was used sparingly by the Vikings last fall and had only 119 yards rushing and 169 receiving.
"I had made up my mind to retire. I just didn't know how I wanted to announce it," Craig said. "I'm best known as a 49er and I had my best years there, so I've dreamed of going out with the 49ers."
Under the deal worked out with DeBartolo and Policy, Craig won't actually go to training camp and won't suit up for any exhibition games.
After rushing for 2,446 yards as a tailback and fullback at Nebraska, Craig became known for his versatility with the 49ers. He retires as the NFL's career leader in pass receptions by a running back (566) and is 13th in career rushing with 8,189 yards.
In 1985, Craig became the first NFL back to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and catch passes for 1,000 yards. His 92 receptions that year were the most in a single season by a running back.