Retire #33 for Roger Craig

Roger Craig was one of the most influential running backs in the history of the game. He was the first to ever have a 1000 receiving yard/1000 rushing yard season (only Marshall Faulk has done it one time since), the first and only running back to ever lead the entire league in receptions, the first and only player in league history to make the Pro Bowl at both fullback and halfback, and most of all was a very significant leader and gamebreaker in 3 of the 49ers championships in 1984, 1988, 1989 - holding several Super Bowl records for touchdowns as well by the time his career ended.

His work ethic was second to none, as he took Jerry Rice under his wing as a rookie using his incredible workout regimen. His tenacity on the field was second to none, as one play he'd brutally run over opponents and another he'd use his speed and agility to fly right past them on the way to the end zone. When he retired, he held the franchise record for most rushing yards in a season, most combined yards in a season and finished second all time career rushing.

It's an absolute travesty that he isn't in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but an even bigger travesty that the franchise he helped carry - the San Francisco 49ers - have not retired #33.

With due respect to all of the other greats this franchise has had, Roger Craig is the greatest and most influential running back that the 49ers and the Bill Walsh Offense has ever seen. Craig is a humble man, and unlike certain other athletes, has not complained nor put on a big show for his historical recognitions.

We emplore to the entire San Francisco 49ers franchise and all that have been involved with the organization, namely John York and Denise DeBartolo York:

Give Roger Craig his deserved due. Retire and Honor #33.