Tommy Kramer, former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl QB, announces dementia diagnosis
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback and College Football Hall of Famer Tommy Kramer announced he was diagnosed with dementia.
Kramer revealed his diagnosis in a social media post on Wednesday. He said it was best to inform the public after Brett Favre announced on Tuesday he has Parkinson’s disease, and Kramer was diagnosed just over a year ago.
"Dr’s say I could have anywhere from 2 to 10 years, just had my year check up and it hasn’t advanced and I’ve been sober for almost a year now which will definitely help," he said. "Please, no sympathy, I’ve lived a great life and wouldn’t change a thing. Nobody wanted to win more than me and I never gave up, and that’s exactly how I’m going to battle this. Football is the life we chose to live and sometimes stuff like this can happen. I'm grateful to the NFL for the opportunity and am glad they are trying to do things to protect today’s players."
Kramer said he is fine financially, but the NFL will only try to help with any medical bills and therapy his insurance won't cover, so we wants to bring awareness "so the NFL will be able to help others and future players who are battling illnesses like myself."
A standout at Rice University who set several records for the Owls, Kramer was drafted in the first round of the 1977 NFL draft by the Vikings, set to be the heir to Fran Tarkenton. He took over the starting role in 1979 and was the franchise's signal-caller through the 1989 season. His best season came in 1986 when he threw for 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. He led the league in passer rating with 92.6 and was named a Pro Bowler, second-team All-Pro and NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
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Kramer played one game for the New Orleans Saints in 1990 before retiring. He finished his career with 24,777 passing yards with 159 touchdowns and 158 interceptions in 14 NFL seasons. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
"It’s still all about the fans for me, as long as I’m able, I’m going to continue to be out there and travel to the small towns which I love most and meet the fans. Thank you for all the support and always remember, “We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time," he added.