Vikings Legend Tommy Kramer Announces Dementia Diagnosis

(FOX 9) – Just after Brett Favre revealed he had Parkinson’s disease, legendary Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer announced he had been diagnosed with dementia.

What we know

In a tweet posted Wednesday, Kramer shared a message about his diagnosisHe said he was diagnosed with dementia a little over a year ago at the NFL Clinic in Cleveland.

Kramer says he could have had it for anywhere from two to 10 years and that a recent exam showed the disease had not progressed. Kramer also adds that he has stopped drinking, which he believes will help.

Part of his motivation for sharing his diagnosis is to highlight the need for the NFL to provide more support to its former players.

“Unfortunately for me, the NFL is only going to try to help me with my medical bills and therapies, which my personal insurance doesn’t cover,” he added. “I hope to raise awareness so the NFL can help other players and future players who are battling illnesses like I did. For me, it’s always about the fans. As long as I can, I’ll continue to be on the field and travel to the small towns I love the most to meet the fans.”

He concludes: “Thank you for all the support and never forget: “We are not here for long, we are here to have a good time.”

Context

Kramer’s announcement comes after former Packers and Vikings quarterback Brett Favre revealed he was battling Parkinson’s disease during a congressional hearing on welfare reform. Favre was testifying about his involvement in a welfare scandal in Mississippi.

“Unfortunately, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing a breakthrough concussion drug that I thought could help other people,” the 54-year-old said. “I’m sure you’ll understand that while it’s too late for me because I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, this is also a cause that is close to my heart.”

Background

Kramer started 110 games over 13 years, from 1977 to 1989, with the Vikings. He won NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors, made the Pro Bowl and was named a second-team All-Pro in 1986. That year, he threw for 24 touchdowns, passed for 3,522 yards and led the league in passer rating.

He was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings during the team’s 50th season celebration in 2021.