Former Pro Bowl quarterback Tommy Kramer took to social media on Wednesday to announce an incredibly sad diagnosis he received after fellow quarterback Brett Favre’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease earlier this week.
Kramer, who spent 14 years in the NFL, largely with the Minnesota Vikings where he earned the nickname “Two minute Tommy”, took to X on Wednesday to reveal that he too has had complications related to blows to the head suffered in his playing career.
In an incredibly saddening post on X, Kramer revealed that he has been diagnosed with dementia, a disease closely linked with CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy) stemming from blows to the head in football. He says that doctor have told him he likely has anywhere from 2-10 years left.
“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,” wrote Kramer. “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.”
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…— Tommy Kramer (@Kramer9Tommy) September 25, 2024
Along with Favre’s diagnosis, this should be a reminder to all about the long-term effects of football on the human brain. But at least Kramer has no regrets about the sacrifices he made to entertain the fans.
