Jerry Kramer

Jerry Kramer was born on January 23, 1936, in Jordan, Montana. He overcame childhood injuries to excel in football at the University of Idaho, where his number 64 jersey was retired in 1963. Kramer was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round of the 1958 NFL Draft, beginning an 11-season professional career. His athleticism and resilience made him a key component of the Packers’ offensive line, particularly known for his role in the “Packers sweep” play. He consistently earned All-NFL honors and played in three Pro Bowls.

Kramer’s career was marked by significant achievements despite numerous injuries, including a broken ankle in 1961 and severe intestinal infections in 1964 that required eight surgeries. In each instance, he returned to maintain his high level of performance. He was a starter on five NFL Championship teams and played in victories in Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II. Beyond his offensive line duties, Kramer also served as the Packers’ placekicker for several seasons, setting team records for PATs in a season and sharing the NFL Championship Game record for most field goal attempts. His dedication to the team and his ability to perform under pressure contributed significantly to the Packers’ success during a dominant era.

After retiring in 1968, Kramer authored several books, including the best-selling “Instant Replay,” which chronicled the 1967 season and featured his famous block in the “Ice Bowl.” He later worked as a color commentator for CBS and NBC. In 2018, Kramer was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a recognition that acknowledged his enduring impact on the sport and his remarkable career of overcoming adversity. His legacy is further cemented by his inclusion in the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1960s, the NFL’s 50th Anniversary Team, and the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team.