It doesn't take a lot of effort to find takes and opinions on how the Pro Football Hall of Fame has repeatedly overlooked San Francisco 49ers legendary running back Roger Craig on the list of immortal greats enshrined in Canton.
Seemingly every year, when the selection committee looks at potential new inductees, Craig gets snubbed yet again.
Niners fans have grown used to it, sadly.
Fortunately, one of San Francisco's all-time leading offensive weapons who helped define the dynsasty years of the 1980s might be one step closer toward forever donning the gold jacket.
From a post via ESPN, Craig ended up being one of 52 players out of 162 nominated from the seniors category who'll be advancing to the next round of consideration. There'll be three more stages of voting until the three finalists are voted upon before the Super Bowl this February, ironically, one that'll be hosted by the 49ers' home venue, Levi's Stadium.
Here's ESPN's write-up on Craig, highlighting his importance to the greatest era in Niners history:
"Craig was a key part of the 49ers' dynasty in the 1980s with his ability as a physical runner and as a receiver out of the backfield. Craig was the first player to have 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season in 1985, and he led the NFL with 2,036 yards from scrimmage in 1988 when he helped the 49ers win the Super Bowl.
He was also part of the title-winning teams in San Francisco in the 1984 and 1989 seasons. His 410 yards from scrimmage in those Super Bowl wins are the third-most ever behind only Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Franco Harris."
Craig is one of only three players in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, joining San Francisco's current running back, Christian McCaffrey, and Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk having done so.
In some ways, Craig was Faulk before there was a Faulk, particularly in an era when tailbacks weren't known for being legitimate pass-catching threats.
This wouldn't be the first time Craig has moved on in such a voting process, meaning there's again plenty of chances for additional snubs, including this go-around.
Hopefully, though, voters finally appreciate what Craig meant not only to those 49ers teams of lore but also to the nature of his versatility and his prowess.
Especially how those traits redefined how dual-threat running backs (he was also a fullback, too) changed the game.