BOISE STATE JOINS CAMPAIGN

Boise State is throwing its support behind the Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy of former Green Bay Packers star Jerry Kramer by urging fans to participate in a grassroots letter-writing campaign.

“In addition to being one of the greatest football players of all time, Kramer also is an outstanding citizen of Boise and a true ambassador of Idaho,” Boise State President Bob Kustra wrote in his June 15 letter to the Senior Selection Committee. “His commitment, volunteerism, and loyalty to our community are values shared by Boise State University and qualities we feel are equally important as his athletic accomplishments.”

The university is encouraging Broncos fans to write a letter or send a postcard endorsing Kramer as a Senior Selection to the Hall of Fame at the following address:

Pro Football Hall of Fame Attn: Senior Selection Committee 2121 George Halas Drive, NW Canton, OH 44708

Supporters across the nation, including current Hall of Famers, have rallied behind the “Get Kramer to the Hall” effort, coordinated on a volunteer basis by Boise-based Gallatin Public Affairs on behalf of Kramer’s daughter, Alicia, also of Boise.

“Boise State University is proud to join the long list of supporters who feel Jerry Kramer deserves to be in Canton for one simple reason. He played football the old-fashioned way — he earned the right to be in Canton,” Kustra said.

VANDALS PROMOTING WITH A BOBBLEHEAD

A likeness of Jerry Kramer is the next in a series of commemorative bobbleheads sponsored by the University of Idaho, where he player from 1954 to 1957.

“We are excited to honor Jerry and bring additional recognition to the recent quest to get him elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear said.

Kramer — a graduate of Sandpoint High — is a member of the Vandal Athletics Hall of Fame, the 50th Anniversary NFL Team and the 1960s All-Decade Team. He was selected by the Packers in the fourth round as the 39th overall pick of the 1958 draft.

Kramer played offense and defense for the Vandals, averaging 58 minutes of playing time during his junior and senior seasons. That durability, combined with size, speed, strength and football savvy, helped him earn All-American status. He played in three senior all-star games — the East-West Shrine, North-South and Senior bowls.

Kramer played on five Packers championship teams, mostly as a guard, but also as a kicker.

His limited edition bobbleheads — 1,000 are being made — will be made available only to Vandals season ticket holders. Each season ticket account will receive one Kramer bobblehead.

To secure your Kramer bobblehead, contact the Vandals ticket office at (208) 885-6466 or click on the ticket link at GoVandals.com.

OTHER HALL OF FAMERS ON BOARD, TOO

Current Hall of Famers who have endorsed Jerry Kramer’s campaign include Frank Gifford, Roger Staubach, Chuck Bednarik, Alan Page, Larry Csonka, Joe Gibbs and Mel Renfro. The nine-member Senior Selection Committee began deliberations earlier this month. It will pick up to two nominees for consideration by the full 44-member selection committee, which releases its finalists by August and selects the 2013 class around the Super Bowl.