Sandpoint's Kramer should be in the Hall of Fame

It has been 35 years since Sandpoint's Jerry Kramer put on his uniform as a Green Bay Packer.

During his 11 years with the Packers — 1961 through 1971 — Kramer and the Packers notched five National Football League titles, three of them being in consecutive years.

Known as Zipper because of the 22 surgeries he underwent, Kramer brought his North Idaho Bulldog toughness to the NFL like nobody from these parts ever has.

Kramer's prowess has landed him on the All Time Super Bowl team as well as the First 50 Years of the NFL All Pro Team. Sportswriters also named him as one of two of the greatest guards in the NFL,

So why isn't he in the NFL Hall of Fame?

This isn't a new question. Sandpoint's Bulldog Bench made a run at having him enshrined back in 1991. They sent letters to the members of the Hall of Fame selection committee but had no luck.

We think it is high time to have Kramer join his as-famous Packer teammates in Canton, Ohio.

The Bee is working with Gene Littlefield, former Bulldog coach Satini Puailoa and anyone else who wants to participate in this quest. One idea I really like is a petition signed by several thousand residents.

The nominees for next year's induction have to be turned in by March.

Let us know what you think. We would love to see Sandpoint's most famous athlete get the credit he is due.

In the meantime, drop us a line if you have any Jerry Kramer stories either on or off the field.

We'll keep you posted.

David Keyes is publisher of the Bee.