Former Lions and Bears quarterback Erik Kramer was recovering after a reported suicide attempt late Tuesday at a motel in Calabasas, Calif.
Kramer, 50, suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, according to NBC News.
Marshawn Kramer told NBC News that her former husband has been suffering from depression that she believes is related to his playing career.
Kramer played for five NFL teams in 10 seasons. In 1991, Kramer helped lead the Detroit Lions to a 12-4 record, a playoff win and a spot in the NFC Championship Game against Washington.
His most productive pro seasons came with the Chicago Bears in the mid-1990s.
But those seasons came at a price, Kramer's former wife believes.
"He is a very amazing man, a beautiful soul, but he has suffered depression since he was with the Bears," Marshawn Kramer said. "I can promise you he is not the same man I married."
Vermeil now owner
Dick Vermeil is returning to pro football, this time as an owner in the Arena League.