“You can if you will.” -Jerry Kramer
This last weekend, legendary Green Bay Packer (1958-1968), Jerry Kramer, was inducted in to the NFL Hall of fame, 50 years after his retirement from the game. He was a 6-foot 3-inch, 245-pound right guard, and an integral part of the famous Packers sweep – a signature play in which both guards rapidly pull out from their normal positions and lead block for the running back going around the end. Kramer was also the team’s placekicker in 1962, 1963, and part of 1968. Of note, he scored ten points, on three field goals and an extra point, in the Packers 16−7 victory over the New York Giants in the 1962 NFL Championship Game at frigid Yankee Stadium.
Coached under Vince Lombardi, Kramer was a First-team, All-Pro five times, and a member of five Green Bay Packers championship teams including three consecutive championships in 1965, 1966 and 1967. The latter two being Superbowls I and II. Our fantasy football league, The Lombardi Three, is named for these three legendary seasons.
Kramer was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 04, 2018. At his induction speech, he often quoted something his high school coach had told him, “You can if you will.” I highly recommend watching his induction speech.
Jerry Kramer’s NFL Hall of Fame Speech
The Lombardi Three 