Current:Home > reviewsTommy Kramer, former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl QB, announces dementia diagnosis -Ascend Wealth Education
Tommy Kramer, former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl QB, announces dementia diagnosis
View
Date:2025-04-12 23:07:34
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.
All things Vikings: Latest Minnesota Vikings news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
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.
veryGood! (9793)
Related
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- Case that could keep RFK Jr. off New York’s presidential ballot ends
- Sighting of alligator swimming off shore of Lake Erie prompts Pennsylvania search
- CeeDee Lamb contract standoff only increases pressure on Cowboys
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Tennis Star Rafael Nadal Shares Honest Reason He Won’t Compete at 2024 US Open
- 1 Mississippi police officer is killed and another is wounded in shooting in small town
- Paris Olympics live updates: Noah Lyles takes 200m bronze; USA men's hoops rally for win
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Legal challenge seeks to prevent RFK Jr. from appearing on Pennsylvania’s presidential ballot
Ranking
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- 'It Ends with Us': All the major changes between the book and Blake Lively movie
- 1000-Lb. Sisters' Tammy Slaton Shares Glimpse at Hair Transformation
- Nevada governor releases revised climate plan after lengthy delay
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- 1 Mississippi police officer is killed and another is wounded in shooting in small town
- Parents of 3 students who died in Parkland massacre, survivor reach large settlement with shooter
- Katy Perry Reveals Orlando Bloom's Annoying Trait
Recommendation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
USA basketball pulls off furious comeback to beat Serbia: Olympics highlights
Hearing in Karen Read case expected to focus on jury deliberations
Pnb Rock murder trial: Two men found guilty in rapper's shooting death, reports say
Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
Missouri man dies illegally BASE jumping at Grand Canyon National Park; parachute deployed
Christian Coleman, delayed by ban, finally gets shot at Olympic medal
‘Alien: Romulus’ actors battled lifelike creatures to bring the film back to its horror roots