On Wednesday, the Davenport City Council took a symbolic step to honor a local sports legend. Council members voted to designate the portion of East 12th Street that runs between Harrison Street and Brady Street as Roger Craig Way. The resolution was introduced as a tribute to former Davenport Central football star Roger Craig, whose career has brought national attention to the community.
Timing aligns with stadium dedication
The street naming comes one day before the dedication ceremony for the new Roger Craig Stadium, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15. Davenport School District officials confirmed that Craig will attend the stadium dedication, underscoring the close connection between the two events.
Craig’s football legacy
Roger Craig first made his mark on the Davenport gridiron as a standout player for Davenport Central. He was a member of the 1976 Blue Devils team that captured the Iowa state championship, playing alongside future Nebraska and NFL teammate Jamie Williams. In August, Craig was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026, cementing his status as one of the state’s most celebrated athletes.
Health update shared during Hall of Fame speech
During his Hall of Fame induction speech, Craig disclosed a recent diagnosis of vascular dementia. Doctors believe the condition may be linked, at least in part, to the concussions he sustained during his playing career. While the diagnosis is serious, Craig’s openness about his health has sparked conversations about player safety and long‑term care for former athletes.
Community response
Local residents and business owners expressed enthusiasm for the street naming, noting that it reinforces Davenport’s pride in its home‑grown talent. “Roger Craig is a true son of Davenport,” said Councilmember Jane Miller. “Naming a portion of East 12th after him not only honors his achievements on the field but also reminds us of the values of hard work and perseverance that he embodies.”
The council’s decision also aligns with the city’s broader effort to celebrate local heritage through public spaces. Earlier this year, Davenport approved signage for historic districts and launched a series of plaques honoring notable citizens.
What’s next?
City staff will coordinate with the Department of Public Works to install new street signs before the stadium dedication. The signage project is expected to be completed within two weeks, ensuring that visitors to the stadium can easily locate Roger Craig Way.
As the community prepares for the stadium dedication, officials hope the combined celebrations will draw regional attention to Davenport’s rich sports history and boost local pride.
Original reporting: KWQC TV6 Davenport (local) — read the source article.
