Erik Kramer, once an NFL quarterback who now uses his tragic personal story to speak out for mental health issues. Now 60, Kramer looks back on a remarkable, groundbreaking (and often turbulent) zig-zagging path filled with professional victories and deeply personal heartbreak. Little went on to an outstanding ten-season NFL career from 1991 until 1999. Along the way, he displayed his talents with the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears and the then-San Diego Chargers.
Kramer’s Hall of Fame career is most remembered for his outstanding work with the Detroit Lions. He would go on to build a dynamic partnership with Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders. Combined, the duo led the Lions to their one and only playoff victory from 1957-2023. In 1995, he recorded single-season records for the Bears, accomplishing astounding accomplishments in passing yards and touchdowns. The honors he gained on the gridiron couldn’t be more opposite from the struggles he dealt with outside of it.
The death of his son, Griffen, in 2011 from substance abuse affected Kramer profoundly. The tragedy was compounded when his mother died six months later from uterine cancer. As if this wasn’t enough, simultaneously, his father was given a terminal diagnosis of esophageal cancer. Amid all of this adversity, Kramer struggled with depression, growing worse because of his toxic relationship with Courtney Baird.
Kramer went through a waking nightmare because Baird kept him in an atmosphere of extreme emotional and financial abuse. Baird depleted Kramer’s savings by racking up thousands in credit card charges and writing her personal checks. She cost him the way she handled it almost $700,000. In 2020, he went out on a very long limb and endorsed her opponent. He filed a dozen felony charges against Baird, including theft, grand theft and identity theft. In the end, she entered a plea of guilty and was sentenced to six months in prison followed by probation.
Kramer’s conflicts caused him to try to end his life over the years, including a self-inflicted gunshot wound that he fortunately survived from. He had moments of despair, but he never wavered. By earning a great fortune through his NFL career, he was able to afford the aggressive medical care he needed.
“All of this made me realize the truth. I am a fighter,” – Erik Kramer
Kramer’s spirit is little match for such overwhelming circumstances. Though it’s his medical miracles that’ve turned him into an “extremely lucky man” by his own accounting. He admits that whatever he has recovered, mentally and physically, has been miraculous. His amazing journey continues to inspire millions. Now, he spends most of his time teaching other people about mental health and about warning signs of depression.
Through various speaking engagements, Kramer shares his story with diverse groups, aiming to raise awareness about mental health issues and the importance of seeking help. He stresses that being able to identify warning signs can make all the difference to someone who is facing the same battles he has.
As he continues to navigate life after football and personal tragedy, Kramer remains committed to his mission of helping others. While we mourn his loss, his story should remind us all that sometimes resilience can grow out of even the darkest places. Erik Kramer transforms his pain into purpose. As a father, husband, coach, and athlete he embodies the fighter’s spirit both inside the cage as well as outside.