After Brett Favre’s revelation that he is now battling Parkinson’s disease, former Pro Bowl quarterback Tommy Kramer announced Wednesday that he has dementia.
Kramer, 69, took to social media and said he was diagnosed with the cognitive issue last year during a visit to the Cleveland Clinic.
The 14-year NFLer said Favre’s announcement during a Tuesday congressional hearing was the impetus to make his own statement.
He added that doctors gave him anywhere from two to 10 years to live, but said that at a recent visit the condition had not “advanced.”
“I’ve lived a great life and wouldn’t change a thing,” Kramer wrote. “Nobody wanted to win more than me and I never gave up, and that’s exactly how I’m going to battle this.”
Kramer added that he understood the risks of playing football, but said he wants the NFL to be more supportive of former players going through similar situations that can’t afford their own medical care.
“I know there are players out there who I played with that need all the help they can get,” he wrote. “Unfortunately for me, the NFL will only try to help out with any of my medical bills and therapy what (that) 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 was the Vikings’ first-round selection in 1977 and played 13 seasons in Minnesota, getting named to the Pro Bowl in 1986.
His 24,775 passing yards and 15 fourth-quarter comebacks rank second in franchise history while his 159 touchdowns through the air rank third.
