Packer legend Jerry Kramer returning to Sandpoint for special presentation

Jerry Kramer, the standout offensive lineman for the Vince Lombardi-coached Green Bay Packers teams in the 1960s, will be at Sandpoint High on Friday night for a special presentation.

Kramer, 79, a 1954 Sandpoint graduate, is part of a nationwide kickoff to the Super Bowl 50 celebration. The NFL has launched the Super Bowl High School Honor Roll initiative recognizing schools and communities that contributed to Super Bowl history.

Sandpoint, like more than 2,000 high schools across the nation, will receive a commemorative Wilson Golden Football. The footballs are being presented for every player or head coach who graduated from their school and was on an active Super Bowl roster.

Sandpoint athletic director Kris Knowles said Tuesday that Kramer will present Sandpoint with the football during a halftime ceremony of the Bulldogs’ Inland Empire League 4A opener against Lakeland.

After graduating from Sandpoint, Kramer went on to play at the University of Idaho. He was a fourth round draft pick by the Packers in 1958.

Kramer collaborated with the late Dick Schaap on his first book, the best-selling Instant Replay. One of the highlights in the book was Kramer’s lead block as a right guard in front of quarterback Bart Starr to win the ‘Ice Bowl’ championship game.

After retirement from the NFL following the 1968 season, Kramer was named to the NFL’s 50th anniversary team in 1969.

He lived on a ranch near Parma, Idaho, after retirement. He now lives in Boise.

The five-time All-Pro and five-time NFL champion has appeared 10 times as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame but has not been inducted.