The Wilf Family: Induct Tommy Kramer While He Can Still Enjoy It

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The Issue

Minnesota Vikings – The Alamo City (San Antonio, Texas) https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1GqiBMW5Rv/ AN URGENT APPEAL TO THE WILF FAMILY & THE GLOBAL VIKINGS NATION: INDUCT TOMMY KRAMER INTO THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS RING OF HONOR AT U.S. BANK STADIUM NOW. AS HIS DIAGNOSIS OF FOOTBALL RELATED INJURY IS PROGRESSING, TIME IS OF THE ABSOLUTE ESSENCE SO HE CAN FULLY UNDERSTAND, FEEL, AND CELEBRATE THIS HONOR WITH US WHILE HE IS HERE TO WITNESS IT. We are calling on the Wilf Family, the Minnesota Vikings executive leadership, and football communities worldwide to support a time-sensitive mission: Induct legendary quarterback Tommy "Two-Minute Tommy" Kramer into the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor at U.S. Bank Stadium. Tommy’s spectacular career statistics and historical impact are undeniable. But this petition is about preserving the history of a man whose legacy off the field matches his legendary grit on it. We are gathering 9,999+ signatures to show the organization and national media that TK9 belongs among the greatest.  THE URGENCY OF THE DIAGNOSIS AND TOMMY'S BRAVE ADVOCACY Now, Tommy is facing his toughest opponent yet, and time is critical. Tommy Kramer was formally diagnosed with a football-related injury and evaluated for his 14 concussions in late 2023, roughly one year before he publicly revealed the diagnosis. He shared the news publicly on September 25, 2024, right after his one-year checkup. He explained that he was inspired to go public following Brett Favre's announcement regarding his Parkinson's disease diagnosis. Tommy's diagnosis followed comprehensive testing through an NFL health program at the Cleveland Clinic, where doctors determined he suffered a minimum of 14 documented concussions over his hard-hitting career—though Tommy estimates the real number of head injuries is likely double that.  True to his character, Tommy is utilizing his diagnosis to bring widespread awareness to the dementia community and advocate for better long-term medical care, financial assistance, and long-term care resources for retired players battling cognitive decline. Refusing bitterness, Tommy famously posted: "Please, no sympathy... Football is the life we chose to live, and sometimes stuff like this can happen. I'm grateful to the NFL for the opportunity... Nobody wanted to win more than me, and I never gave up, and that's exactly how I'm going to battle this." THE SCIENTIFIC CONNECTION TO REPETITIVE HEAD TRAUMA Prominent neuroscientists, including leadership at the Concussion Legacy Foundation, emphasize that cases like Tommy’s are a clinical reflection of broader scientific data. While Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem, experts state that Tommy’s clinical is highly likely connected to his vast history of repetitive head trauma on the gridiron. Research consistently shows that a vast majority of NFL players who played long, physical careers in that era suffer from cognitive decline driven by underlying brain trauma. Tommy holds no anger toward the sport, looking at life with total gratitude and stating, "Hey, whatever it is, I’m still here... All you got to do is have fun and wait for the best." Tommy's condition is progressive, and it is not getting better. We urge the Wilf Family to act immediately, ensuring Tommy can stand on the field at U.S. Bank Stadium and fully feel this honor with us while he can celebrate it.  THE VERIFIED RESUME OF A LEGEND (NFL & NCAA) To the Vikings front office and executive committee, Tommy Kramer’s career metrics stand firmly alongside the greatest in franchise history:   14 NFL Seasons: 13 with the Minnesota Vikings (1977-1989), 1 with the New Orleans Saints (1990). 129 games, 110 starts, 24,777 passing yards, and 159 touchdowns. The 1986 Pinnacle Season: Selected to the Pro Bowl, named Second-Team All-Pro, and recognized as All-NFC by UPI and Pro Football Weekly. He led the NFC with a stellar 92.6 passer rating, throwing for 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions. Franchise Honors: Officially named one of the "50 Greatest Vikings" of all time and honored as the 1985 PFWA Comeback Player of the Year. College Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2012): Rice University icon, 1976 Sammy Baugh Trophy winner (nation's top passer), Consensus All-American, 5th place in the 1976 Heisman Trophy voting, and MVP of the 1977 Senior Bowl. High School Legend: Guided San Antonio’s Robert E. Lee High School to an undefeated 14-0-1 Class 4A State Championship in 1971, winning a thrilling 28-27 comeback victory in the first high school game ever played at Texas Stadium. He followed that historic run by leading the Volunteers to the State Semifinals in 1972, graduating as the state's all-time passing leader and earning the title of Texas High School Player of the Year. BEYOND THE GRIDIRON: A LIFETIME OF GRASSROOTS PHILANTHROPY His hands-on, quiet humanitarian work has always defined Tommy's true greatness. He does not run a distant, corporate publicity foundation; he practices a level of grassroots generosity unmatched by modern athletes. From San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and the Texas Hill Country to the cities of Minnesota, Tommy shows up. He routinely partners with local bars, small businesses, veteran organizations, and youth sports programs to lift communities. Tommy is a massive, dedicated supporter of SNAP'T Cat Rescue, putting his heart into helping vulnerable animals, providing essential resources, and backing local rescue efforts. He is also famous across social media for giving away free signed jerseys, helmets, and photos, often buying meals or drinks for entire tables of unsuspecting fans out of pure kindness. When our official fan club hosted a joint tailgate in Dallas, Tommy stood outside in the cold and refused to charge a single dime for autographs, creating a "sea of purple" for traveling fans. Alongside lifelong friends like Buddy Becker, Terri Hecimovich, Tom Bergeson, Pam Baudoin Bergeson, and Mike "Uffda" Strauss, as well as countless legends of the Minnesota Vikings and others who support him, Tommy has championed vital animal rescue initiatives and raised funds for community restoration projects. He embodies total humility, famously giving rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy his full blessing to wear his iconic number 9 jersey. THE FLIGHT OF MERCY: A TRUE MAN OF THE PEOPLE The ultimate proof of Tommy’s character lives in a beautifully documented flight of mercy to a dying fan. When the family of a lifelong Vikings fan battling late-stage cancer in Texas reached out through social media, Tommy didn’t ask for money or PR. He said, "Tell me when. I'll be there." Tommy flew in, bringing a signed jersey and team memorabilia. He didn't rush. He sat by her bedside for a long time, trading stories, praying with her, and wrapping her family in comfort, providing one of the happiest days of her final days on earth. This is who Tommy Kramer is. He treats every person he meets like family. This is exactly the type of character the Ring of Honor should celebrate. WHY NOW IS THE TIME: THE URGENCY OF THE DIAGNOSIS Now, Tommy is facing his toughest opponent yet, and time is critical. After enduring a hard-hitting career with an estimated minimum of 14 concussions, Tommy was diagnosed with a football-related injury. True to his character, he and Buddy Becker chose to go public with the diagnosis solely to raise awareness and secure better medical clarity for other retired players fighting the same battle. Tommy holds no anger, looking at life with total gratitude and famously stating, "Hey, whatever it is, I’m still here... All you got to do is have fun and wait for the best." Behind his eyes live the precious memories of those Sunday wars on Minnesota's frozen turf. Tommy's condition is progressive, and it is not getting better. We urge the Wilf Family to act immediately to ensure Tommy can stand on the field at U.S. Bank Stadium, look up at his name, and fully understand, feel, and celebrate this honor with us while he is still here to witness it. A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE ALAMO CITY VIKINGS FAN CLUB I will never forget meeting Tommy around 1980 when he served as the Grand Marshall for the San Antonio Fiesta Parade. My brother Robert walked me to the front of the line to meet him. Seeing Robert, who grew up to be my absolute hero as a firefighter with the San Antonio Fire Department, laughing and talking with Tommy, left a permanent impression on my heart. Following the difficult loss of my brother, I founded The Minnesota Vikings, The Alamo City, San Antonio, Texas Fan Club in honor of Robert E. de la Luz to practice what Tommy teaches every day: the ultimate gift of giving. Today, standing side by side with Tommy's sister Eva Kramer LeCroy, Tom Bergeson, and Buddy Becker, our organization communicates directly with the Vikings front office. We know the weight our collective voice carries. I am personally leading this nationwide campaign to bring Number 9 home. To the Wilf Family, and to the entire global Vikings Nation: we need your signature, your share, and your voice today to bring Tommy Kramer home to the Ring of Honor, where his history can be preserved forever, while he is here to receive it. By Roman de la Luz, President of the Minnesota Vikings - The Alamo City (San Antonio, Texas), and Campaign Director. "An Official Minnesota Vikings Fan Club, Officially Listed on the Minnesota Vikings Fan Clubs & Watch Bars Directory"      
avatar of the starter
Roman de la LuzPetition StarterRoman de la Luz: Pres of Vikings Alamo City Club (SA, TX), as seen on Vikings.com. Lifelong volunteer. Created Ronald McDonald House toy drives. Leading campaign to put Tommy Kramer in the Ring of Honor!

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