Inside The Vikings

Ex-Vikings QB Tommy Kramer quits drinking: 'I've lived my life as a gunslinger'

Kramer has had a troubled history with alcohol.
Joe Nelson|
Aug 1982; Canton, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer (9) in action during the Hall of Fame game at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1982; Canton, OH, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer (9) in action during the Hall of Fame game at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports | Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

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Minnesota Vikings

Alcohol is no longer part of former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer's life.

Kramer, who started 110 games at quarterback in 13 seasons with the Vikings from 1977 to 1989, says he's changing his "gunslinger" lifestyle in an effort to maximize his health in the later years of his life.

"I’ve lived my life as a gunslinger on and off the field, I actually planned on going out the same way.
After talking with some Doctors and people close to me, with my mind and body slowing down, I decided some time ago to stop drinking," Kramer announced on Twitter.

Kramer said his alcohol consumption the last five or six years has "just been beer," but he has switched to non-alcoholic beer for the past four months. "Part of life is slowing down, which I know I am," Kramer continued, "but I will always still try to be here for the fans."

Kramer, 69, was arrested for drunk driving in Houston in 1980 and underwent treatment for chemical dependency in 1982, according to the Pioneer Press. In 1987, he spent a month at the Hazelden Foundation in Center City, Minn., after being charged for drunk driving in the Twin Cities. He was also arrested for driving under the influence in San Antonio in 2007.

Kramer remains connected with Vikings fans through his business, which features multiple custom limos that he transports fans to and from Vikings games. The service includes a private party at Kramer's home, which is known for a bathroom that has a Green Bay Packers-themed urinal.

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Joe Nelson
JOE NELSON

Joe Nelson has more than 20 years of experience in Minnesota sports journalism. Nelson began his career in sports radio, working at smaller stations in Marshall and St. Cloud before moving to the highly-rated KFAN-FM 100.3 in the Twin Cities. While there, he produced the popular mid-morning show hosted by Minnesota Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen. His time in radio laid the groundwork for his transition to sports writing in 2011. He covers the Vikings, Timberwolves, Gophers and Twins for On SI.

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