By Darin Ron Kramer dominates the gridiron as one of the most versatile athletes in University of Michigan history. Blending imposing size with remarkable agility, Kramer excelled not only as an All-American end but also as a punter, basketball star, and track letterman. This was before blocking for Vince Lombardi’s legendary Green Bay Packers. From setting receiving records in Ann Arbor to securing NFL Championships, discover the story of the man who helped redefine the modern tight end position.
Football Bio
June 24, 1935 – Girard, Kansas – Ron Kramer, who played for the University of Michigan from 1954 to 1956, was born into this life.
In his bio on the National Football Foundation’s website, Kramer was one of Michigan’s all-time great athletes. He starred on the varsity football, basketball and track teams en route to nine varsity letters. He was a versatile end. The Wolverines could depend on him for almost anything.
Aside from his duties at end, Kramer could also punt. As a sophomore in 1954, he led the Big Ten in punting. Ron was often injured due to his aggressive, combative style of play. However, for the most part he played through the bumps and bruises. He amazingly still hauled in 54 passes and scored 102 points during his collegiate career.
Against Missouri in 1955, Kramer hauled in seven passes. Three of those went for Michigan touchdowns. As a result, he set a new Wolverine record in touchdowns off receptions in a single game. The Maize and Blue romped, 42-7.
Kramer won All-America recognition in both 1955 and 1956. He was also selected to the All-Time Big Ten Team and the All-Time Michigan Team. Ron Kramer’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1978.
Kramer was later drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1957 and played on the NFL Championship teams of 1961 and 1962.
Ron Kramer leaves behind a towering legacy as a multi-sport marvel who reshaped the tight end position. By combining sheer physical dominance with exceptional athletic prowess, Kramer helped forge the foundation of the modern passing game. In addition, he secured consecutive championships for the Green Bay Packers. Today, his retired number 87 at Michigan and his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame stand as lasting testaments to a once-in-a-generation talent.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1978.
- 2× Consensus First-Team All-American: 1955, 1956.
- Unanimous All-American: 1956.
- 3× First-Team All-Big Ten: 1954–1956.
- Michigan Wolverines No. 87 Retired: His jersey was retired following his senior season in Ann Arbor.
- 9-Time Varsity Letterman: Won the maximum nine letters at Michigan across football, basketball, and track.
- 2× NFL Champion: Won titles in 1961 and 1962 as a key member of the Green Bay Packers.
- First-Team All-Pro & Pro Bowl: 1962.
- NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team: Honored as one of the defining tight ends of the league’s first fifty years.
- Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1974.