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MINNEAPOLIS — Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer recently revealed on social media that he has been diagnosed with dementia. The 69-year-old, who spent 13 of his 14 NFL seasons with the Vikings and earned a Pro Bowl selection after leading the league in passer rating in 1986, shared that he was formally diagnosed over a year ago at the Cleveland Clinic through a health program for former NFL players.
Kramer’s decision to speak out came after Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre disclosed his Parkinson's diagnosis during a congressional hearing.
Despite the diagnosis, Kramer shared positive news from his recent checkup, noting that his condition has not progressed. He also mentioned that he has quit drinking alcohol to help manage his health. "Please, no sympathy," Kramer wrote in his post. "I've lived an amazing life with no regrets. I always played to win and never gave up, and I plan to fight this the same way."
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Kramer was drafted by the Vikings in the first round out of Rice University in 1977. He earned the nickname "Two Minute Tommy" for his ability to lead late-game comebacks, the most famous being his 46-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to Ahmad Rashad in 1980, securing a division title for the Vikings. Kramer threw for 456 yards and four touchdowns in that game.
He ranks second in Vikings history for passing yards, behind only Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton. Despite his talent, injuries frequently interrupted his career. Kramer became the starting quarterback in 1979, his only season playing all 16 games. He finished his NFL career in 1990 with the New Orleans Saints.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41446884/ex-vikings-qb-tommy-kramer-says-dementia
Kramer’s decision to speak out came after Pro Football Hall of Famer Brett Favre disclosed his Parkinson's diagnosis during a congressional hearing.
Despite the diagnosis, Kramer shared positive news from his recent checkup, noting that his condition has not progressed. He also mentioned that he has quit drinking alcohol to help manage his health. "Please, no sympathy," Kramer wrote in his post. "I've lived an amazing life with no regrets. I always played to win and never gave up, and I plan to fight this the same way."
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Kramer was drafted by the Vikings in the first round out of Rice University in 1977. He earned the nickname "Two Minute Tommy" for his ability to lead late-game comebacks, the most famous being his 46-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to Ahmad Rashad in 1980, securing a division title for the Vikings. Kramer threw for 456 yards and four touchdowns in that game.
He ranks second in Vikings history for passing yards, behind only Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton. Despite his talent, injuries frequently interrupted his career. Kramer became the starting quarterback in 1979, his only season playing all 16 games. He finished his NFL career in 1990 with the New Orleans Saints.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41446884/ex-vikings-qb-tommy-kramer-says-dementia
