On the heels of Brett Favre revealing that he is dealing with Parkinson’s disease, former All-Pro quarterback Tommy Kramer decided to come out and inform fans of his situation.
The former Minnesota Vikings quarterback took to social media this week and announced he was diagnosed with dementia over a year ago.
He said it was best to inform the public after Brett Favre announced on Tuesday.
Tommy Kramer stated doctors said he could have anywhere between two to ten years for his life expectancy.
“With Brett Favre’s 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 wrote. “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.”
The College Football Hall of Famer 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 want to bring awareness “so the NFL will be able to help others and future players who are battling illnesses like myself.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, dementia is a term for a group of symptoms that impact memory, thinking, and social abilities.
Tommy Kramer Had an Incredible College Career That Paved The Way To The NFL
Roughly 24 hours after Brett Favre revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, Tommy Kramer announced on Wednesday that he has dementia.
Kramer said doctors gave him between two and ten years to live, but the condition had not “advanced” as of a recent visit.
He made it clear that he has no regrets playing football, which is where he made his name.
A standout at Rice University, Tommy Kramer finished his four-year college career as Rice’s record-holder in career passing yards (6,197), season total offense (3,272 yards), career total offense (6,336 yards), and career touchdown passes (37).
The Vikings drafted Kramer in the first round of the 1977 NFL draft.
His best season came in 1986, when he threw for 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns. He was named a Pro Bowler, second-team All-Pro, and NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Kramer played one game for the New Orleans Saints in 1990 before retiring.
In his career, Tommy Kramer went 54-56 as a starter, completing 55.1% of his passes for 24,777 yards, 159 touchdowns, and 158 interceptions.
