Roger Craig's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a long-awaited moment for fans and his former teammates, but not everyone can celebrate. Frank Gore, a fellow running back who was snubbed by the Hall of Fame selection committee, expressed relief that he won't have to share the spotlight with Craig.
"I'd rather him get all the shine than both of us go in at the same time," Gore said in an interview. "Of course I want to be in, but what can you do? Everyone respects what I did." Despite his exclusion, Gore acknowledged that Craig's induction is a significant honor for his own legacy.
Craig's journey into the Hall of Fame was nearly four decades long, with him being a finalist in 2010 and 2020. The San Francisco 49ers' legendary running back, known for his dual-threat abilities, played on three Super Bowl-winning teams and was a key part of the team's dynasty in the 1980s.
Larry Fitzgerald and Drew Brees, who joined Craig in being inducted into the Hall of Fame, praised their former teammate. "Roger Craig was a player who revolutionized the running back position," Fitzgerald said. "He helped us understand what it means to be a dual-threat running back."
The news also brings vindication for the 49ers' organization and community, which has been waiting for years for Craig's induction. As Steve Mariucci, former 49ers coach, noted, "Roger Craig set the standard for dual-threat running backs. It was his legacy that we were trying to understand."
While the snub of Frank Gore is a bittersweet moment, it's clear that Roger Craig's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor for one of the greatest players in 49ers history.
"I'd rather him get all the shine than both of us go in at the same time," Gore said in an interview. "Of course I want to be in, but what can you do? Everyone respects what I did." Despite his exclusion, Gore acknowledged that Craig's induction is a significant honor for his own legacy.
Craig's journey into the Hall of Fame was nearly four decades long, with him being a finalist in 2010 and 2020. The San Francisco 49ers' legendary running back, known for his dual-threat abilities, played on three Super Bowl-winning teams and was a key part of the team's dynasty in the 1980s.
Larry Fitzgerald and Drew Brees, who joined Craig in being inducted into the Hall of Fame, praised their former teammate. "Roger Craig was a player who revolutionized the running back position," Fitzgerald said. "He helped us understand what it means to be a dual-threat running back."
The news also brings vindication for the 49ers' organization and community, which has been waiting for years for Craig's induction. As Steve Mariucci, former 49ers coach, noted, "Roger Craig set the standard for dual-threat running backs. It was his legacy that we were trying to understand."
While the snub of Frank Gore is a bittersweet moment, it's clear that Roger Craig's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor for one of the greatest players in 49ers history.
! It's like, finally, recognition comes his way after all those years of hard work and dedication on the field 
. And can you blame Frank Gore for feeling a little left out? 
But let's be real, Rog is the one who made it happen, right? 
The fact that Larry Fitzgerald and Drew Brees are giving him props as a trailblazer is like, total validation, fam 
. And on a more personal level, it's awesome to see the 49ers org finally getting some closure after all those years 
. So here's to Roger Craig - HOF-bound and shining bright 
!
. I mean, who hasn't felt that way when someone else gets all the attention? The fact is, Craig's been waiting four decades for this moment, so it's hard to blame anyone for feeling a bit bitter 
. But overall, it's nice to see some of these legends get the recognition they deserve 
.
... I mean, don't get me wrong, Roger Craig is an all-time legend, but can't we just celebrate everyone's achievements at the same time? 
.
i'm so down for roger craig getting inducted into the hall of fame finally! it's been ages since he was snubbed and i feel bad for frank gore but idc lol 
he's still a legend and we gotta give him props. larry fitzgerald said it best - craig revolutionized the running back position 
and steve mariucci's words are like "yessss, roger set the standard" 
anyway, congrats to craig & larry & drew - this is a dream come true for 49ers fans everywhere 
It's cool that Craig finally gets his induction and it's gonna bring so much joy to the 49ers fans. Steve Mariucci's words about Craig setting the standard are SO true, btw. And Larry Fitzgerald praising him? Iconic 
. It's all love for Roger Craig and his legendary career 
I mean, can you blame Gore for feeling like this? He was robbed, plain and simple. Four decades waiting for someone to finally give him the recognition he deserves? It's just not right. And let's be real, Craig's induction is basically a slap in the face to all the other running backs who didn't make it in. I mean, what about Barry Sanders or Marcus Allen? Did they get forgotten too? 
. And don't even get me started on Larry Fitzgerald and Drew Brees gushin' about Craig's legacy... seems like they're tryin' to distract us from somethin'. 
that being said, gore is still an all-time great runner 
& we should be celebrating his own incredible career 
Four decades is a long time to be waiting for this recognition, but it's nice that finally his hard work paid off.