Strictly Business: On Football and My Life with the 49ers

Craig, an Iowan who played college football in Nebraska, joined the San Francisco 49ers in time to be a Super Bowl winner. An eight-year 'Niners veteran and one of the team's clubhouse leaders, he is still proud of his association with Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott, both of whom he admires greatly. The 49ers had their greatest years in 1988 and '89, winning Super Bowls XXIII and XXIV; they seemed headed for a third straight championship when Craig fumbled late in the NFC title game, allowing the New York Giants to score and win. Writing with Niver, a San Mateo (Calif.) Times sports staffer, Craig tells of the glory years and the chance he was given to return to the team with a large salary cut after he had been made a free agent. Having joined the L.A. Raiders instead, Craig is a sadder but wiser man who has learned that loyalty does not pay the food bills--hence the book's title. An interesting, informative insider's book. Photos not seen by PW. (June)