Doctors at Cleveland Clinic’s The Trust program determined Kramer likely suffered at least 14 concussions during his playing career.
MINNEAPOLIS — Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer for his clutch performances, is facing a new opponent: dementia.
Kramer, a pro-bowl quarterback, played 13 seasons in the NFL. He spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, as the face of the franchise in the late 70s and 80s.
“Two Minute Tommy” is now 69 years old and says he still loves the Vikings and the fans. Back in his heyday, the gunslinger could throw the ball 65 yards downfield. He made his mark in Vikings history beginning with his first explosive game as a rookie 1977. He scored three touchdowns in the final eight minutes against San Francisco 49ers leading the team to victory.
His most memorable moment came in the “Miracle at the Met,” when his pass to Ahmad Rashad clinched the Central division title in 1980. In that game, Kramer threw for 456 yards. To this day, he still holds the Vikings record for the most yards thrown during a single game hitting 490 against the Washington Commanders in 1986.
But the physical toll of his NFL career has surfaced decades later. Kramer went to visit the Cleveland Clinic through an NFL program and doctors determined Kramer likely suffered at least 14 concussions during his playing career and had dementia.
“I just say, hey, whatever it is. I’m still here,” Kramer said about his diagnosis.
Dr. Chris Nowinski, Concussion Legacy Foundation neuroscientist, said Kramer’s condition is likely connected to his football career. “If you play 20 or more years, the vast majority of those who have been studied have had CTE, and the ones who have lived into their 60s and 70s frequently have dementia from CTE,” Nowinski explained.
Research backed by the NFL Players Association supports this connection, showing NFL players with 10-plus season careers are twice as likely to develop cognitive problems compared to those who played just one season.
Kramer’s diagnosis became public following Brett Favre’s major health announcement last year when he disclosed that he has Parkinson’s.
Buddy Becker, Kramer’s longtime friend and current housemate in Minnesota, said they decided to share the diagnosis to help other players.
“We have been doing the things they have recommended. Tommy has been sober for over a year,” Becker noted.
However, challenges remain in accessing care.
According to Becker, the NFL offered to get Kramer into a neurologist, but Becker says it was a 7-month wait for the first available appointment. Becker and his fiancée found a different doctor who could see him sooner. Yet, Becker has been back and forth with NFL representatives trying to get clarity on medical coverage Kramer is eligible for but has yet to receive direct answers.
The NFL sent KARE a statement that said, in part:
“In collaboration with the NFLPA, the NFL provides a comprehensive network of benefits to support former players throughout their post-NFL lives. Medical care is available to players throughout their lives, with benefits like group insurance and health reimbursement accounts, and programs for joint replacement, discount prescription drugs and wellness initiatives.”
A spokesperson for the NFL told KARE 11’s Morgan Wolfe they will look into Kramer’s case. The NFL publicly posts the programs they offer former players on their website, and also on the Player Care Foundation website.
Becker emphasized Kramer’s perspective: “Tommy’s not mad at the NFL, it gave him a good life.”
In that good life, Kramer has found a lot of time to do good for others. Not just to fans, but to animals, too. He’s recently been hosting garage sales (like his former coach and friend Bud) to raise money for cat and dog rescues. He has more information on ways to help on his website www.tommykramer9.com
To many fans surprise, Kramer is not in the Vikings Ring of Honor. Fans and friends have organized a petition to help increase his chances of being inducted.
“It is what it is,” Kramer reflected. “Who knows how long are you gonna live? All you got to do is have fun and wait for the best.”