Roger Craig Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Roger Craig Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Roger Craig is a former NFL standout turned business executive, renowned for his time with the San Francisco 49ers and his role in redefining the running back position.

Introduction

From crushing defensive lines as a dual-threat back to pivoting into business, Roger Craig has charted a remarkable path. Born on July 10, 1960 (his birthday is July 10), Craig’s estimated net worth stands at $5 million, and he has been married to his wife, Vernessia Craig, since the early 1980s, raising a family of five children.

Quick Facts

From Local Ambition to Gridiron Legend

Raised in Davenport, Iowa, after his family moved from Preston, Mississippi, Craig showed early athletic promise at Davenport Central High School. A multi-sport standout in football, wrestling and track, he developed the powerful high-knee running style that would later define his NFL game. 

From there, Craig honed his craft at the University of Nebraska, rushing for 2,446 yards and 26 touchdowns in three seasons. 

Defining moments in Roger Craig’s journey include:

• Becoming the second-round pick (49th overall) in the 1983 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers

• In 1985 becoming the first player in NFL history to post 1,000+ rushing yards and 1,000+ receiving yards in the same season 

• Winning three Super Bowls (XIX, XXIII and XXIV) with the 49ers and earning NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988 

• Transitioning to business after football by taking a leadership role at TIBCO Software as Vice President of Business Development

The Core Pillars of Roger Craig’s Wealth

Craig’s estimated net worth is the result of several intersecting streams of income:

• NFL earnings: Salary and bonuses earned during his 11-season NFL career with the 49ers, Raiders and Vikings.

• Business career: Leadership role in enterprise-software firm TIBCO, which helped transition him into the corporate world.

• Investments & assets: While less publicized, his post-playing asset management and endorsement-style opportunities contribute.

Relationships & Family Life

In his personal life, Craig has maintained a long-standing marriage and focused family life:

• Craig married Vernessia Burrage (now Vernessia Craig) on May 7, 1983. The couple have five children together.

• Children include Damesha, Rometra, Rogdrick (aka “Baby Shaq”), Alexander and Nia-Jai. Craig has spoken about his pride in their athletic pursuits. 

Key insights into Roger Craig’s relationships and personal life:

• His marriage has spanned decades, providing stability beyond the spotlight of his NFL career.

• Family has played a central role in his post-football decisions, including his commitment to health, running and charity.

• He remains connected to a network of former teammates and colleagues, and is noted for mentorship roles.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Roger Craig leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Endurance running and marathons: Craig has completed dozens of marathons and half-marathons, often citing running as his “meditation.” 

• Business travel and speaking engagements around technology and teamwork, leveraging his role with TIBCO.

• A continued presence in the football community—although not in uniform, he remains visible at events, reunions and charitable functions.

• Philanthropic commitments: Participating in youth sports development and community fitness initiatives such as race events. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Understanding Craig’s net worth helps illustrate how his legacy transitioned into business success. Below is a breakdown of his estimated wealth sources (values approximate and publicly reported):

Together, these components support the commonly cited figure of $5 million in net worth.  It is worth noting that the transition from pro athlete to business executive is often more challenging than it appears—Craig’s successful pivot speaks to strong planning, a stable support network and sustained work ethic.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Craig is widely recognized as one of the pioneering “all-purpose” backs, bridging the gap between traditional rushing roles and pass-catching versatility. His influence on how running backs are utilized in modern offenses is well documented. 

Public perception highlights:

• A reliable, charismatic teammate whose clutch performances in playoff and Super Bowl settings helped elevate his profile and his team’s success.

• A business professional who translated sports lessons—discipline, teamwork, strategic thinking—into corporate culture at TIBCO and beyond.

• A family-focused figure whose long marriage and engaged parenting model present a positive off-field narrative.

While Craig has not yet been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame—a matter of ongoing debate among fans—his legacy remains firmly embedded in NFL history. 

Conclusion

From the pivotal birthdate of July 10, 1960 to a birthday celebration year after year, Roger Craig has shaped a compelling story of athletic achievement and professional reinvention. With an estimated net worth of around $5 million, a steadfast marriage to Vernessia Craig, and a life driven by enduring values, Craig’s narrative is one of transformation, resilience and lasting impact. Whether on the field, in the boardroom or in the community, his journey underscores that it is not only the touchdowns scored that matter—but the legacy built beyond them.