Erik Kramer’s ex-wife blames NFL for suicide attempt

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; General view of a Chicago Bears helmet on the sidelines against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; General view of a Chicago Bears helmet on the sidelines against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Wednesday night, Erik Kramer reportedly tried to commit suicide in a California hotel room. Luckily, Kramer was not able to finish the act, and is being treated for a non-life threatening gunshot wound, according to ESPN. Kramer played in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons and San Diego Chargers, lasting 10 years in the league.

Kramer’s ex-wife, Marshawn, believes that much of Erik’s problem stem from his professional playing days.

"“He is a very amazing man, a beautiful soul, but he has suffered depression since he was with the (Chicago) Bears,” Kramer said. “I can promise you he is not the same man I married.”"

She went on to tell NBC News that Kramer and her would still be together if not for his football injury, which she later specified as a brain injury. Kramer is certainly not the first NFL player who has tried to take his own life. Junior Seau is the famous example, who shot himself in the chest. Former Chicago safety Dave Duerson also killed himself with a shotgun blast to the chest so his brain could be examined.

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Kramer has been going through plenty away from the field as well. He and Marshawn were divorced in 2010, and the following year his son, Griffen, died of a heroin overdose.

"“It has not been easy,” Erik Kramer told the Chicago Tribune in 2012. “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, like I have Dillon who is 13, 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.”"

Hopefully, Mr. Kramer can find happiness and peace in this lifetime.