Thomas Francis Kramer was born in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Rice University in 1977. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 1977 National Football League college draft.
Kramer became the starting quarterback for the Vikings before the 1979 season after Fran Tarkenton had retired. Kramer earned the nick name "Two Minute Tommy" for many late game come-from-behind victories.
Kramer had off the field problems, he was arrested several times for drunken driving and had sought treatment for alcohol abuse. Kramer also suffered on the field injuries, resulting in missing many games for the team during the mid 1980s. Tommy Kramer was selected to the Pro Bowl following the 1986 season. Kramer was released by the Vikings after the 1989 season, but was signed by the New Orleans Saints during the 1990 season. He played briefly for the Saints and left the game of football after 1990.