Jerry Kramer and Run to Win

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of interviewing Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer and author Bob Fox. The two men had recently collaborated on Kramer's latest book, Run to Win.

Born in Montana, Kramer starred at the University of Idaho before being selected by the Packers in the 4th round of the 1958 NFL draft. Kramer would go on to play guard for 11 seasons, racking up awards and accolades along the way. His resume includes:

• 3 Pro Bowls
• 5 All-Pro Teams
• 2 Super Bowl Championships
• 5 NFL championships
• Pro Football Hall of Fame team All-1960s Team
• Pro Football Hall of Fame (2018)

Those are just a few of the highlights. Even a full list wouldn't tell the whole story of this legend though. Kramer is more than a Hall of Famer. He's a legend, an icon, a favorite in Green Bay and elsewhere.

Run to Win isn't Kramer's first book. That would be Instant Replay, which was an instant classic when published in 1968. It focuses on the 1967 season, including the famous Ice Bowl, a game Green Bay won thanks in part to a key block by Kramer. Instant Replay is one of the first sports books I ever read and remains one of my favorites.

Having just picked up Run to Win shortly before our interview, I have only read it once, but I loved it. As I said in the interview, the pictures alone make it worth owning, but of course, the story is amazing. Kramer and Fox did a masterful job in weaving stories together giving an inside look at the man and football player.

This was one of my easiest and most fun interviews. It felt like old friends talking. Both men told great stories. Not just an author, Fox is a life-long fan of the Packers with his own memories of Kramer and the team. That had to help in making this book so enjoyable.

Did I mention I am a native Chicagoan and ardent fan of the Bears? I may proudly wear the blue and orange, especially when playing the Packers, but I have tremendous respect for the organization and players. The Bears-Packers rivalry is the best in sports, even if Green Bay has held quite an edge over the last 60 or so years. Interviewing Kramer is one of the great interview thrills I have ever had.

I encourage everyone to watch the video and hear the passion from both men. This is no ordinary autobiography. You'll notice the interview has a false end. I asked for 15 minutes and was wrapping up a bit beyond that, but then Fox and Kramer added a couple more stories. Of course, I had to include those. This just shows the kind of people they are. They gave me much more than I expected and I greatly appreciate this opportunity.

After you watch the interview, go to any book retailer (online or storefront) and get Run to Win. Any sports fan will love this, as I have just proven.