Erik Kramer is on the Path to Recovery, After Trying to Commit Suicide 9 Months Ago

The Detroit Free Press has a great story on Erik Kramer, nine months after he attempted suicide by shooting himself under the chin.

For those that didn’t hear the story, the former Lions and Bears starting quarterback from the 1990’s was battling depression and a series of losses last year, and attempted suicide on August 18. The story details his preparation for that attempt: he wrote several letters that he printed out for family members, purchased a gun, waited the 10 days, and then went to a shooting range to practice shooting. He booked a hotel on the day in question, had dinner, and then went back and attempted to take his life, fortunately unsuccessfully.

The bullet went through his chin, nasal cavity, and out the top of his skull. He is still getting treatment (he has to have surgery for dental work, for example) and has gotten therapy but was fortunate to not suffer any major cognitive impairment.

"His son Griffen died of a heroin overdose in October 2011. His mother, Eileen, passed away from uterine cancer in July 2012. His father, Karl, was terminally ill with esophageal cancer at the time of his suicide attempt and died weeks later, while Kramer was still in the hospital. He went through a difficult breakup with a girlfriend late in 2014. And his relationship with his son Dillon was fraying at this time last year. “I would say there was an emptiness,” Kramer said. “And getting older. I’m 51 now and I know that doesn’t sound really old, but you’re definitely on the other side of the halfway point. And I think, just as all these people that have meant a great deal to me, all of a sudden were either gone already or on their way out. So I think the loneliness that comes with that and, at the point of life I’m in now, all played a role. It’s too late to start over.”"

It’s a fantastic story detailing his depression, and second chance. I suggest you give it a read, and remember, there are always people out there who love you, and it’s never too late.

[photo via USA Today Sports Images]