The Night I Met Former San Francisco 49er Running Back, Roger Craig

Vonda Menard
Vonda Menard, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Apr 15, 2011 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
Over 15 years ago my roommate and I were returning from a Connecticut Coyotes arena football game at the civic center, in Hartford, CT. I noticed a man across the street who looked familiar. At first I wasn't sure, but after looking closely I realized it was Roger Craig. I immediately sprinted across the street, with my roommate following behind me wondering why I was running, and where I was going. I stopped running before I reached him, not wanting to be out of breath as I tried to talk to him.

As a huge San Francisco 49ers fan I couldn't believe I was about to meet Roger Craig. I tried to remain calm, but I failed. I blurted out, "Oh my God, Roger Craig. You're the first running back to compile over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in a season." He was impressed I knew that fact. I explained I was a huge 49ers fan, and big fan of his. We talked for a minute or two about football, the 49ers and the new arena football team he was working with. Before he left we shook hands, and then I watched as he walked away.

My roommate, not a sports fan, asked if he was a college friend. I explained he was Roger Craig, former running back of the San Francisco 49ers, but she had no idea. She didn't understand what the big deal was, and that was all right, because I did.

Roger Craig was one of my favorite 49ers growing up. I loved watching him run; his high knees kicking free from would be tacklers. Craig was an incredible running back who finished his career with a 4.1 yards per carry average. In 1985 he would become the first running back to gain 1,000 yards rushing and receiving, while averaging 4.9 yards per carry, and 11.0 yards per catch.

As a Connecticut resident I haven't been fortunate enough to be able to visit a San Francisco 49ers training camp, or attend a practice. So meeting a 49er, in Connecticut, was an unlikely treat for me, a San Francisco treat. Thanks to Roger Craig, a little piece of San Francisco was brought to me in Connecticut.

Sources:

http://www.hickoksports.com/craig
http://www.nfl.com/players/rogercraig/

Published by Vonda Menard

MFA in Professional Writing. My script, Return ot Darfur was performed in New York. Working hard to get this film made. Mother of two wonderful boys. Ultimate sports fan. Favorite sports football and ba...  View profile

  • Roger Craig was the first running back to gain a 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in a year.
  • Being a San Francisco 49ers fan, it was incredible meeting Roger Craig in Person.
  • Craig was impressed I knew he was the first back to gain 1,000 yards rushing and receiving.

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