Former NFL QB Erik Kramer Reportedly Wounded in Suicide Attempt

Former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer shot himself in an apparent suicide attempt last night but survived, law enforcement officials and his ex-wife confirmed.

Police found Kramer with a non life-threatening gunshot wound while executing a welfare check at a Calabasas, Calif., hotel.

" Kramer’s former wife, Marshawn Kramer, told NBC News Wednesday night that Kramer suffered years of depression that she believes was the result of his time in the NFL. “I can promise you he is not the same man I married,” Marshawn Kramer said in a telephone interview. "

Kramer led the Detroit Lions to the 1991 NFC Championship Game after Rodney Peete went down with an mid-season injury. He compiled a 31-36 record as a starter in 10 NFL seasons. His best year was with the Chicago Bears in 1995 when he threw for 3,838 yards and 29 touchdowns.

His 18-year-old son, Griffen, died of a heroin overdose in 2011.

“It has not been easy,” Kramer told the Chicago Tribune at the time. “I have been going through a divorce for the last two years. It has only added to it. It has been very difficult.

“But you find yourself and you find faith and the strength to go on. And when you have other kids … there is no option for anything else but to find a way. One day at a time, one conversation at a time and just persevere.”

[via NBC News]