Tommy Kramer announces dementia diagnosis

Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre's unexpected revelation that he has Parkinson's disease has prompted another former quarterback to speak out about his own health condition.

“With [the] Brett Favre’s announcement yesterday, I think it’s best if I let everyone know that I was diagnosed with dementia a little over a year ago at the NFL Cleveland Clinic,” former Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer said on Twitter.[Doctors] let's say it could be between 2 and 10 years, I just had my annual checkup and it hasn't gotten any worse and I've been sober for almost a year now which will definitely help.

“Please don't pity me, I've had a great life and I wouldn't change anything. Nobody wanted to win more than me and I never gave up and that's exactly how I'm going to fight against it. Football is the life we ​​want to live and sometimes things like this can happen.

“I'm grateful to the NFL for this opportunity and glad they're trying to do things to protect today's players. Financially, I'm fine, but I know there are players I played with that need all the help they can get. Unfortunately, the NFL will only try to help with my medical bills and therapy. [that] my private insurance doesn't cover it. I hope I can raise a little bit of awareness so the NFL can help other and future players battling illnesses like mine. For me, it's still about the fans. As long as I can, I'll continue to be out there and travel to the small towns 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 to have a good time.”

Kramer, 69, was selected by the Vikings in the first round in 1977. In 13 seasons with the Vikings, he played 128 games, including 110 starts. He ended his career with a one-year stint in New Orleans.