Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer has announced that he has been diagnosed with dementia.
Kramer admitted on social media that Brett Favre’s decision to reveal he has Parkinson’s earlier this week inspired him to share his own diagnosis.
Kramer, 69, played 14 seasons in the NFL, 13 of which were with the Vikings, and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1986.
Kramer posted on X: ‘With Brett Favre’s announcement yesterday, I feel it best to let everyone know that I was diagnosed with dementia just over a year ago at the NFL’s Cleveland Clinic.
Doctors say it could be anywhere from 2-10 years, I just had my yearly checkup and it hasn’t progressed and I’ve been sober for almost a year which will definitely help.
Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer has been diagnosed with dementia
The 69-year-old played 14 seasons in the NFL, 13 of which were with the Vikings.
Brett Favre revealed he is battling Parkinson’s disease while speaking in front of Congress
‘Please no pity, I’ve lived a wonderful life and I wouldn’t change a thing. No one wanted to win more than me and I never gave up, and that’s exactly how I’m going to fight this.
“Football is the life we choose to live and sometimes things like this can happen. I’m grateful to the NFL for the opportunity and I’m glad they’re trying to do things to protect today’s players.
‘I’m doing well financially, but I know there are players I played with who need all the help they can get. Unfortunately for me, the NFL will only try to help me with my medical expenses and therapies that my personal insurance won’t cover.
‘I hope to raise some awareness so the NFL can help other future players battling illnesses like I did.
“For me, it’s still all about the fans. As long as I can, I’ll continue to be there and travel to the small towns I love the most to meet the fans. Thank you for all the support and always remember, ‘We’re not here for long, we’re here to have a good time.'”
Kramer, a Texas native, was selected in the first round by the Vikings in the 1977 draft.
He currently ranks second in Vikings passing yards history behind franchise icon Frank Tarkenton. Kramer played his final NFL season with the New Orleans Saints.
Kramer (right) pictured with iconic Minnesota Vikings coach Bud Grant in 1983
On Tuesday, Favre revealed that he was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 54, after suffering multiple concussions throughout his two-decade career.
The Packers legend revealed his shocking health update while speaking at a Congressional hearing on welfare misuse and reform, after being embroiled in a $77 million welfare fraud scandal in Mississippi.
While testifying, Favre read from previously written notes and began talking about the now-defunct concussion drug company Prevacus, in which he was the largest outside investor.
The company had received $2 million from the federal government’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families fund.
“Unfortunately, I also lost an investment in a company that I believed was developing an innovative concussion drug that I thought would help others,” he said.
‘I’m sure you’ll understand. Although it’s too late for me now because I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it’s also a cause that’s close to my heart.’
Favre has previously spoken about having suffered ‘thousands’ of concussions during his career.
Favre, who played in the NFL for 20 years, has previously spoken openly about having suffered “thousands” of concussions on the football field.
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes involuntary or uncontrollable movements, including stiffness, tremors, and difficulty maintaining balance.
It’s not clear what causes the disease, but scientists believe it’s a combination of genetic and environmental factors, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Favre took to social media after his shocking revelation at the hearing and thanked fans for their support as he prepares to battle Parkinson’s.
“First, I want to thank God for everything he has done in my life,” she wrote in X. “Next, thank you to Congress for giving me the platform to discuss much-needed TANF reform.
“As you know, I was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s, which has been a nightmare. My wife, family and friends have all been so supportive and I want to thank them for being there for me. To my fans and all those who wish me well: thank you all for the love.”
