Former Viking Tommy Kramer shares dementia diagnosis
Vikings helmet. Credit: MGN
Former Minnesota Viking Tommy Kramer announced on ‘X’ Wednesday that he has dementia. He sited Brett Favre’s announcement regarding his Parkinson’s diagnosis Tuesday as his reason for sharing now.
Kramer wrote, “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. Dr’s say I could have anywhere from 2 to 10 years.” He went on to say, “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.”
Regarding the payment of treatment Kramer added, “the NFL will only try to help out with any of my medical bills and therapy what my personal insurance won’t cover.”
Kramer, now 69-years-old, was a quarterback in the NFL from 1977-1990. He was drafted by the Vikings in the first round in 1977 and played in Minnesota until 1989. He spent his final season with the New Orleans Saints.
Kramer was named to the Pro Bowl in 1986, the same year he won the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year Award.
His statement reads in full below.
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. 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. 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 and future players who are battling illnesses like myself. 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”.
Tommy Kramer