Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer was diagnosed with dementia and given two to 10 years to live, he announced on his social media platforms.
Kramer made the announcement Wednesday on X, Instagram and Facebook. He cited the revelation by Brett Favre's a day earlier that he has Parkinson's disease as part of the reason for divulging the brain affliction.
"With Brett Favre's announcement [Tuesday], 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," Kramer wrote.
"Doctors 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."
Kramer, 69, joined the Vikings as the No. 27 overall pick in the 1977 NFL Draft. He spent 13 of his 14 seasons with the franchise. Kramer spent the 1990 season -- his final one -- with the New Orleans Saints. The former Rice star was a Pro Bowl selection in 1986, when he led the league in passer rating.
Kramer appeared in 129 NFL games. He ranks second in Vikings history in passing yards 24,775 and wins for a starting quarterback (54), trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer Fran Tarkenton.
"Football is the life we chose to live and sometimes stuff like this can happen," Kramer wrote. "I'm 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.'"
