Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer made a special visit to Albert Lea on Sept. 6 to attend the Tigers’ home-opening football game and meet with the team and fans. Kramer earned the nickname “Two-minute-Tommy” for his clutch reputation when he would lead the Vikings to 19 comeback wins. He was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 1977 NFL draft and played as the Viking’s quarterback for 14 years from 1977 to 1989. He led the team to several playoff appearances.
“It was cool because he has a lot of history in Minnesota with the Vikings,” said head football coach Paul Dunn.
Kramer said he always wanted to be involved with football. He kept pursuing football despite the challenges that came with it.
“It’s all I ever wanted to do, so I just kept doing it,” said Kramer as he spoke about the challenges of being a quarterback like making decisions in high-pressure situations and the dangers of playing professional football. When talking about his transition out of the NFL he said, “I am glad to be alive.”
Kramer ended his quarterback career in 1990 at age 35. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. Later in 2012, he would be inducted into the college football hall of fame after being named MVP in the Senior Bowl.
“You gotta work your tail off,” said Kramer of his accomplishments. He recalled one memorable moment from his career when the Vikings won against the Cleveland Browns with eight minutes and two seconds left. The Vikings won 28-27.
Kramer spoke words of encouragement to the football team in the locker room before the game.
He hopes that his presence and his career in football will encourage many young footballers to keep pursuing their dreams.
“He said play hard and play for what you love,” said senior captain Evan Schroeder, a defensive tackle who had a sack during the game.
The event was sponsored by District 241 School Board Member Dave Klatt and State Farm Insurance. Klatt said he knew Kramer from several years ago and the purpose of the visit was purely to support the football team and community.
“Tommy was a true gentleman and happy to meet anyone, take pictures, sign autographs and just to fit with others,” said Klatt.
The Albert Lea Tigers lost their football game against the New Ulm Eagles. The final score was 27-7. The Tigers scored one touchdown, which was a 63-yard pass from junior quarterback Teaghen Tolbers to junior Carter Conn.