Ron Kramer was an American football player who excelled in both college and professional levels. He played as an end for the University of Michigan and the Green Bay Packers, earning accolades and championships. He was also a multi-sport athlete who won nine varsity letters in football, basketball, and track. He died at the age of 75 from natural causes on September 11, 2010.
Early Life and College Career
Kramer was born on June 24, 1935, in Girard, Kansas. He moved to East Detroit, Michigan, at age five and attended East Detroit High School, where he was an all-state player in football, basketball, and track
Kramer enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1953 and became a star player for the Michigan Wolverines football team from 1954 to 1956. He played as a left end on both offense and defense, catching passes, blocking, tackling, and kicking. He was selected as a consensus first-team All-American in 1955 and a unanimous first-team All-American in 1956. He also led the team in scoring for two years and set several school records. His jersey no. 87 was retired after his senior year, and he was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the University of Michigan Athletic Hall of Honor in 1978
Kramer also played basketball and track for the Wolverines, earning three varsity letters in each sport. He was a starting forward on the basketball team that won the Big Ten Conference championship in 1954-55. He also competed in the shot put and long jump in track, setting a school record in the latter event
Professional Career and Later Life
Kramer was drafted by the Green Bay Packers as the fourth overall pick in the 1957 NFL Draft. He played for the Packers for seven seasons (1957, 1959-1964), missing the 1958 season due to military service. He was a key player on coach Vince Lombardi’s first NFL championship teams in 1961 and 1962, playing as a tight end and flanker. He was selected as a first-team All-NFL player in 1962 after catching 37 passes for 555 yards and seven touchdowns. He also played three seasons for the Detroit Lions from 1965 to 1967
Kramer retired from football in 1968 and became a successful businessman. He founded Ron Kramer Industries, a steel fabrication company, and later sold it to Worthington Industries. He also invested in real estate and other ventures. He remained active in sports and philanthropy, supporting various causes related to the University of Michigan and the Green Bay Packers
Kramer died of natural causes at his home in Fenton, Michigan, on September 11, 2010. He was survived by his wife Winkie and his six children. His death was mourned by his former teammates, coaches, fans, and friends, who remembered him as a talented and versatile athlete, a loyal and generous person, and a proud Wolverine and Packer
Conclusion
Ron Kramer was one of the most accomplished football players of his era. He played with passion and skill for both Michigan and Green Bay, winning honors and titles. He also excelled in other sports and fields, showing his diversity and intelligence. His death marked the loss of a legend in the history of football.
