Longtime Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer announced Wednesday that he was diagnosed with dementia in 2023, and he used the opportunity to advocate for improving the medical care players receive after they retire.
The 69-year-old made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) a day after former Green Bay Packers quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Brett Favre told a congressional committee that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Kramer referenced Favre’s announcement in revealing his own diagnosis.
“With Brett Favre announcement yesterday, 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 posted. “Dr’s say I could have anywhere from 2 to 10 years, just had my year checkup and it hasn’t advanced and I’ve been sober for almost a year now which will definitely help.”
But from there, Kramer — who spent the first 13 of his 14 NFL seasons with Minnesota — focused his attention on the NFL and retired players’ healthcare.
“Football is the life we chose to live and sometimes stuff like this can happen,” he wrote. “(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 and future players who are battling illnesses like myself.”
Drafted 27th overall out of Rice by the Vikings in 1977, Kramer went 54-56 as a starter, throwing for 24,777 yards and 159 touchdowns with 158 interceptions. He led Minnesota to the playoffs in three seasons. His best season came in 1986, when he led the league with a 92.6 passer rating after throwing for 3,000 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his only Pro Bowl season.
He spent the final season of his career with the New Orleans Saints in 1990, appearing in one game.
