Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer has been diagnosed with dementia and stated he has been given two to 10 years to live.
Kramer, 69, shared the news on social media, and cited Brett Favre’s revelation a day prior that he has Parkinson’s disease as part of the reason for divulging his own diagnosis. Kramer wrote: “With Brett Favre’s announcement [Tuesday], I feel it’s best I let everyone know that I was diagnosed with dementia just over a year ago at the NFL Cleveland Clinic.”
Kramer said his doctors told him at his one-year checkup that the dementia hasn’t advanced, and noted he has stopped consuming alcohol to cope with it: “Doctors 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. 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. Financially, I’m fine, but I know there are players out there who I played with that need all the help they can get. Unfortunately for me, the NFL will only try to help out with any of my medical bills and therapy what my personal insurance won’t cover. I’m hoping to bring some awareness so the NFL will be able to help others. 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.’”
Kramer, a native of San Antonio, Texas, was drafted in the first round out of Rice by the Vikings in 1977. Kramer played 13 of his 14 seasons in the NFL with the Vikings, where he became the starter in 1979 (the only season in which he played all 16 games). He was given the nickname “Two Minute Tommy” for his late-game success, and made the Pro Bowl after leading the league in passer rating in 1986. Kramer spent his final season in 1990 with the New Orleans Saints, ending his career having appeared in 129 NFL games. He ranks second in Vikings history in passing yards 24,775 and wins for a starting quarterback (54), trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton.
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