Former Vikings Pro Bowl Quarterback Shares Tragic Personal Update

As Sam Darnold paves a fresh path forward as the Minnesota Vikings' newest starting quarterback, another former signal-caller is in the news ahead of Week 4.

On Tuesday, former Green Bay Packers legend Brett Favre revealed during a congressional hearing that he has "recently" been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

One day later, seemingly inspired by Favre's public admission, former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl quarterback Tommy Kramer shared a tragic personal health update of his own.

"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," the 69-year-old wrote on X. "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."

Kramer, who won the PWFA's Comeback Player of the Year in 1986, continued.

"Please, no sympathy, I’ve lived a great life and wouldn’t change a thing," he wrote.

"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."

Kramer spent 14 years in the NFL from 1977-90, playing his first 13 seasons for the Vikings. Minnesota drafted the 6-foot-2, 200 pound quarterback out of Rice in the first round (No. 27 overall) of the 1977 NFL draft.

The San Antonio, Texas native finished his pro career with a regular season record of 54-56, passing for 24,777 yards, 159 touchdowns, 158 interceptions and 19 game-winning drives in 129 games.

Kramer made the playoffs four times, going 2-2 in his four starts but never advanced past the divisional round.

He'll turn 70 years old on Mar. 7, 2025.

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