Former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer survived a suicide attempt on Tuesday night, law enforcement officials told NBC News.
Kramer's ex-wife, Marshawn, confirmed to NBC that Kramer was wounded after shooting himself at a motel in Calabasas, Calif., a city about 30 miles outside of Los Angeles. Authorities were called to the motel for a welfare check around 8 p.m. PT on Tuesday.
Marshawn, who was married to Erik for over 20 years before their divorce in 2010, said she believes that Erik's 10 years in the NFL played a part in his decision to try to take his own life.
"He is a very amazing man, a beautiful soul, but he has suffered depression since he was with the Bears," Marshawn told NBC News in a telephone interview on Wednesday. "I can promise you he is not the same man I married."
Kramer played for the Bears from 1994-98, a span that includes a 1995 season in which Kramer set Chicago single-season records for touchdown passes (29) and passing yards (3,838).
The 50-year-old was also the starting quarterback for the Lions during their last postseason win, which was a 38-6 thrashing of the Cowboys in January 1992. Kramer threw for 341 yards and three touchdowns in that game.
Kramer's final year in the NFL came in 1999 with the Chargers, and after he left the league, he suffered from years of depression, according to his wife.
In 2011, Kramer's 18-year-old son died of a drug overdose in LA. Marshawn and Erik have another son together who is currently 17.
"He's such a good dad and he would not do this to his son," Marshawn said. "This is brain injury."
