Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer has announced he is battling dementia. Kramer made the announcement Wednesday afternoon on X, formerly Twitter, a day after another former Vikings quarterback, Brett Favre, revealed a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Here is Kramer’s full statement:
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. Im 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”.
Kramer was the Vikings quarterback from 1977 to 1989, leading the Vikings to a 54-56 record over 13 seasons with the club, before ending his career as a member of the New Orleans Saints.