The quarterback who mastered the art of the late-game comeback
In short: In an era of ground-heavy offenses, one man redefined the passing game. Known as 'Two-Minute Tommy,' he specialized in fourth-quarter miracles, leading the Minnesota Vikings through nineteen dramatic comebacks, including an iconic Hail Mary that secured a division title.
Thomas Francis Kramer’s reputation for late-game heroics was forged long before he reached the NFL. During his high school years at Robert E. Lee in San Antonio, Kramer led the Volunteers to a 1971 state title, a season that featured the first high school game ever played in the new Texas Stadium. While most Texas teams relied on the wishbone or veer rushing attacks, Kramer utilized a prolific passing game, setting a then-state record with 2’588 passing yards as a senior.
His success continued at Rice University, where he set numerous school records, including 6,197 career passing yards. After being selected in the first round of the 1977 NFL draft, Kramer entered the Minnesota Vikings organization as the heir to Fran Tarkenton. Though his professional career was frequently interrupted by knee, shoulder, and spinal injuries, he remained a formidable presence. His 1980 season was particularly legendary, highlighted by the 'Miracle at the Met,' where he threw a game-winning Hail Mary to Ahmad Rashad with just six seconds remaining to clinch the division.
Despite his brilliance, including a 1986 season where he led the league in passer rating with 92.6, the physical toll of the game was immense. Kramer suffered multiple concussions and various injuries that eventually hastened his retirement in 1990. In 2024, Kramer shared a more somber update, revealing a dementia diagnosis to raise awareness for former players facing similar neurological battles in the NFL.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Tommy Kramer
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