Roger Craig Disclosed Vascular Dementia Diagnosis
The former 49ers star confirmed that doctors linked his cognitive decline to brain injuries from his football career.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
Former professional football player Roger Craig has revealed a diagnosis of vascular dementia at age 66. Medical professionals linked the condition to traumatic brain injuries sustained during his 11-year career.
Why it matters
The disclosure highlights the long-term neurological risks faced by professional athletes who endure repeated impacts. Craig's openness brings renewed attention to the connection between football-related trauma and later-life cognitive decline.
Doctors confirmed the diagnosis through clinical testing performed after the pandemic. Craig currently exhibits symptoms associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy and has ceased driving.
The players
Roger Craig
He is a former professional football player who spent much of his career with the San Francisco 49ers.
The details
Family members first observed cognitive deterioration in the former athlete during the pandemic lockdown in 2020 and 2021. Craig currently manages his health with Vitamin D supplements as he navigates the progression of his condition.
Timeline
The first warning sign of cognitive decline appeared in 2016.
Family members noticed significant deterioration during the pandemic lockdown in 2020-2021.
Craig will receive a Ring of Excellence during a halftime ceremony on October 4, 2026.
The Big Picture
This disclosure follows a pattern set by the 2013 NFL concussion settlement, which established a formal framework for addressing neurological damage in retired professional players. The case underscores the ongoing medical and legal challenges regarding the long-term impacts of professional gridiron play.
This news serves as a reminder for former athletes and their families to monitor for signs of cognitive decline following any history of repetitive head trauma. Recognizing symptoms early can lead to better management and lifestyle adjustments, such as cessation of driving.
The takeaway
Cognitive deterioration can be a progressive and life-altering consequence of contact sports that often goes undiagnosed for years. Families observing sudden changes in a loved one's memory or behavior should seek professional neurological evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
What happens next
Roger Craig is scheduled to receive a Ring of Excellence during a halftime ceremony at the San Francisco 49ers game on October 4, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about neurological health trends and support resources in our Alzheimer’s section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
