Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer, aged 69, revealed on social media that he has been diagnosed with dementia. Kramer, who spent the majority of his NFL career with the Vikings and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1986 after leading the league in passer rating, shared that he received the formal diagnosis over a year ago at the Cleveland Clinic as part of a health and wellness program for former NFL players.
Kramer expressed his decision to disclose his condition following Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre's announcement of his Parkinson's disease during a congressional hearing. At his one-year checkup, Kramer's doctors informed him that the dementia has not progressed, and he has ceased alcohol consumption to better manage the condition.
In his social media post, Kramer emphasized that he does not seek sympathy, stating that he has lived a fulfilling life and is prepared to confront the challenges ahead with resilience. Known as 'Two-Minute Tommy' for his late-game heroics, Kramer was drafted by the Vikings in the first round in 1977 out of Rice University. One of his most memorable moments came in 1980 when he threw a 46-yard Hail Mary pass to Ahmad Rashad for a game-winning touchdown, securing a division title for Minnesota.
Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Kramer ranks second in passing yards in Vikings history, trailing only Fran Tarkenton. He assumed the starting role in 1979, the sole season in which he played all 16 games. Kramer concluded his NFL tenure in 1990 with the New Orleans Saints.
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