Erik Kramer’s ex-wife told NBC last month the former quarterback fired a gun at himself after suffering from depression caused by playing in the NFL.
With increasing concern about brain trauma leading to depression in violent contact sports, Marshawn Kramer’s assertions resonated.
But, doctors warn, mental health is complicated, and misconceptions make treating players’ depression more difficult — with potentially tragic results.
Increased awareness of the risks of concussion and repeated violent contact leads too many athletes and their loved ones to believe they reached a dead end, and suicide provides an escape and a way to summon help for others, according to doctors.