Here I go again? I am unapologetic as I undoubtedly ran into Roger Craig at Walgreens in Menlo Park, CA today.

I had walked into Walgreens while Craig was already there, picking up a few things. He was just standing, gathered in thoughts as which aisle at Walgreens he would go next.

I was looking at the more lean Craig. He wasn't rippled with muscles, but had the look of a marathon runner. No trace of fat on him! I was pretty impressed considering his age and he reminded me of the current shape Jerry Rice is in. I doubt that Craig could play in the NFL today, because he didn't look like if he could take the pounding in the trenches. But he looked fit enough to run wind sprints with any current 49er and keep up with them.

In fact, he mentioned to me that he ran against Jerry Rice in a race and came out 1st, Jerry 2nd. Since I am deaf and can only read lips, I am not sure if it was in his football days or recently, and if it was in a foot race during practice or racing on the "hill" and I was too flustered while engaging in conversation with him to clarify which racing event Craig edged Rice. And as he looked for my approval upon his matter-of-fact statement, I softly said, "oh my God." I am not supposed to use the Lord's name in vain but this is a future Hall-of-famer telling me a story. I have to tell this story as it is.

And upon my reaction, Craig let out a whoop. I guess I gave him his due, he deserved acknowledgement and accolades for his legendary antics. He was not only a football player, but he is also an athlete, and a competitor.

Towards at the end of conversation, he leaned toward me as if almost whispering, saying "I would like to let you on into something..I may be a semi-finalist for the Hall-of-Fame," nodding, his eyes winking, almost as if he was gleeful over something he worked so hard for in his 49er career, and I congratulated him and told him he will get in there.

I asked him, "what do you think of LaMichael James" as he was about to walk out of Walgreens.

As he backstepped before turning around towards the door, he pointed at me and fluttered his fingers, letting out a "LaMichael? Oh ooooooooooh....he is really very good, just watch him when he plays more. Just watch him."

Stunned, I pointed back at him and waved goodbye to Craig.