Former Bears and Lions quarterback Erik Kramer shot himself in an apparent suicide attempt while at a motel in Calabasas, Calif. on Tuesday, according to reports from NBC News. Kramer, 50, survived the attempt, but, at this time, there have been conflicting reports about the extent of his injuries.
Kramer’s former wife, Marshawn Kramer, whom he divorced amicably in 2010, indicated afterwards that Kramer has battled depression that she believes has been the result of his playing days in the NFL. “He is a very amazing man,” she said in a television interview to NBC. “A beautiful soul, but he has suffered depression since he was with the Bears. I can promise you he is not the same man I married.”
Law enforcement sources indicated that Kramer’s injuries are not life-threatening. However, according to Kramer’s sister Kelley, they’re more serious than what’s being reported.
Throughout an NFL career that spanned 10 seasons, Kramer played for four different teams. In 1991, he led the Detroit Lions to a 12-4 record and a trip to the NFC Championship game. Later, he joined the Chicago Bears, where he still holds the team’s single-season records for passing yards (3,838) and touchdowns (29).
Along with his depression, Kramer has experienced recent tragedy, losing his 18-year-old son, Griffen, to a heroin overdose in 2011. Here’s to wishing him a full recovery, as well as whatever help he needs to beat his depression.
(via NBC News)
