Former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer is alive but wounded after shooting himself in a reported suicide attempt.
NBC Chicago reports that the former Bears QB shot himself at a motel in Calabasas, Calif., Tuesday night in an apparent suicide attempt. Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies were called to the motel for a welfare check and found the former QB with a non life-threatening gunshot wound. Kramer’s sister reportedly believes the injury is more serious than law officers stated and that it could be life-threatening.
Kramer’s ex-wife, Marshawn, told NBC News she believes the suicide attempt was the result of the former quarterback’s time in the NFL.
“He is a very amazing man, a beautiful soul, but he has suffered depression since he was with the Bears,” Marshawn Kramer told NBC News. “I can promise you he is not the same man I married.”
The couple divorced in 2010. In 2011, Kramer’s son, Griffen, died of a heroin overdose.
Kramer, 50, played in the NFL from 1987-1999, posting a 31-36 record as a starter. His peak came in 1995 with the Bears when he threw for 29 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while leading the team to a 9-7 record. He also led the Detroit Lions to a 12-4 record in 1991.
After his football days, Kramer entered sports broadcasting. He worked as an NFL announcer for FOX and currently covers the Bears.
