Kramer to lead Idaho Homecoming parade

MOSCOW — University of Idaho legend, Sandpoint native and Lombardi-era Green Bay Packer star Jerry Kramer will lead the University of Idaho’s 103rd annual Homecoming parade as grand marshal on Saturday, Oct. 6.

At 10 a.m., Kramer will guide the parade through downtown Moscow in preparation for the Vandals’ homecoming contest against the New Mexico State University Aggies. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center.

Kramer was chosen because he exemplifies this year’s homecoming theme, “The Brave and Bold,” through his athletic skills and football talent.

The Vandal alum is known for many things during his 10-year career in the NFL: his Packers won two Super Bowls, five NFL championships and he was a perennial All-Pro selection. In addition to being named to the 50th anniversary team, Kramer was selected for the NFL 1960s All-Decade team.

Kramer kicked the winning field goal in the 1962 NFL Championship game and made what many consider the most famous block in NFL history against the Dallas Cowboys, when he paved the way for Packer quarterback Bart Starr to score as time was running out in the famous “Ice Bowl” game in 1967.

This year, Hall of Fame coaches and players, including Frank Gifford, Roger Staubach, Bob Lilly, Larry Csonka, Joe Gibbs and Alex Karras have argued that Kramer is one of the best offensive lineman of his generation, and he deserves enshrinement in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter proclaimed June 1, 2012 “Jerry Kramer Hall of Fame Day,” and Boise Mayor David Bieter proclaimed July 2012 “Jerry Kramer Month.”

Kramer is a resident of Boise.

Each year, more and more people continue to push for the NFL to right a glaring wrong by naming Kramer to the Hall of Fame.