Jerry Kramer makes Hall of Fame

By Cameron Rasmusson
Reader Staff

Local sports legend Jerry Kramer received a long-awaited honor last week after being voted into Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In his 11th time up for consideration, Kramer finally received enough votes to enshrine his 11-year National Football League career with the Green Bay Packers into the Hall of Fame. Kramer, an offensive lineman, helped bring his team to championships in Super Bowls I and II.

“On behalf of the entire Green Bay Packers organization, I want to congratulate Jerry on this well-deserved honor,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “I’m so happy for Jerry. His patience has been rewarded, as he will finally be going into the Hall of Fame after being a finalist 11 times.”

Kramer’s omission from the Pro Football Hall of Fame has long been a sore subject for sports fans. He was voted the number-one player not in the Hall of Fame by the NFL Network in 2009.

The honor is particular thrilling for Idahoans, especially those in Sandpoint. Kramer is a Sandpoint High School graduate who played for the University of Idaho Vandals from 1955 to 1958.