Former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer survived a gunshot wound Tuesday night in an attempt to take his own life, according to his former wife and police officials.
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Kramer, who spent more than a decade in the league, is recovering from the non-life threatening gunshot wound, officials told NBC News late Wednesday.
Kramer's ex-wife Marshawn Kramer confirmed the suicide attempt and said that Kramer has dealt with depression in the past. She believes he suffered a brain injury playing football and has never been able to recover, she added.
"He is a very amazing man, a beautiful soul, but he has suffered depression since he was with the Bears," she said. "I can promise you he is not the same man I married."
Kramer, 50, started 67 games over his 10-year career, throwing for 15,337 yards, 92 touchdowns and 79 interceptions. He helped lead the Detroit Lions to a 12-4 record and an NFC Championship game appearance in the 1991 season. He later spent five seasons with the Chicago Bears, then ended his career with the San Diego Chargers in 1999.
Kramer's suicide attempt comes during a time when there is fierce debate over the possible lasting mental health effects of NFL careers in which players endure hard hits to the head. See video.
