Beyond the End Zone: The Powerful Hope-Filled Mission of Erik (Eric) Kramer (Mental Health Touchdown)
Most people don’t have a smooth, easy path through life.
That’s one of the most unifying truths we share.
In Episode 16 of the Not By Chance Podcast, Dr. Tim Thayne sits down with former NFL quarterback Eric Kramer to talk about a story that goes far beyond football: grief, depression, a survived suicide attempt, and a mission to turn pain into purpose.
This is not a “sports episode.”
It’s a human episode—about what it means to make the ultimate comeback.
Who Is Eric Kramer (And Why This Conversation Matters)
Dr. Thayne introduces Eric Kramer as a former NFL QB who played for teams like:
- Lions
- Bears
- Chargers
But the reason this episode hits so hard isn’t his NFL career.
It’s the life he lived after it:
- profound loss
- severe depression
- isolation
- and a moment where he believed everyone would be better off without him
If you’ve ever watched someone you love struggle… or you’ve had dark thoughts yourself… this episode offers something rare:
A story that is honest, specific, and ultimately hopeful.
The Long Descent: Loss, Depression, and Isolation
Eric shares that his son Griffin faced lifelong challenges—including a brain-related deficiency that made key life skills harder:
- organization
- focus
- relationships
- school structure
There were seasons where Griffin improved dramatically—especially during structured treatment and support. Eric describes it as the best he had ever seen his son, with confidence and engagement he hadn’t witnessed before.
But later, the progress unraveled, and Eric’s fear became reality.
Then the losses piled up:
- Griffin died from an overdose (after a period of being clean and sober)
- Eric’s mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and later passed away
- his father developed esophageal cancer and also passed away
Eric describes a haunting realization during that season:
“People were going that way, not coming this way… they’re all leaving.”
Over time, depression turned into isolation—and isolation deepened the depression.
The Turning Point: A Suicide Attempt — “Successfully Unsuccessful”
Eric shares the moment that changed everything: a suicide attempt that he survived.
Dr. Thayne describes it as “successfully unsuccessful”—a survival that mattered not only for Eric, but for everyone who still needed him.
Eric’s words are raw and real:
- he believed he’d be better off not here
- and he believed others would be better off without him
This is the part of the episode that many listeners will feel deeply—because it names a lie depression often tells:
“My absence will be a relief.”
And it’s never true.
What Recovery Actually Looked Like (Not an Overnight Miracle)
One of the most powerful things Eric says is that recovery wasn’t instant.
He doesn’t describe a sudden awakening with clarity and purpose.
Instead, he describes a long, slow rebuilding—almost like re-learning life from scratch.
He shares that for a significant period, he barely remembers much—then gradually:
- small steps
- basic functions
- tiny wins
- and eventually more “normal” daily life
This matters because it fights a common myth:
Healing doesn’t require a perfect breakthrough. It requires steady steps.
The “Home Team” Concept: Why Support Changes Everything
A theme that comes back again and again is the idea of team.
Eric credits Dr. Thayne’s earlier work with his family—especially the “home team” concept:
- intentionally noticing what someone already does well
- reinforcing it consistently
- choosing supportive people with purpose
Eric explains that being part of something bigger than yourself creates a gravitational pull:
- people inspire each other
- momentum builds
- purpose becomes contagious
And that’s one of the major lessons of this episode:
If you’re trying to heal alone, you’re carrying too much.
The Ultimate Comeback: From Pain to Purpose
Eric eventually wrote a book:
The Ultimate Comeback: Surviving a Suicide Attempt, Conquering Depression, and Living with Purpose
But the mission didn’t stop with the book.
He also built nonprofits, including:
- Eric Kramer Passing Camp
- Mental Health Touchdown
What’s unique is how he connects:
- football training
- mental health skills
- resilience and leadership
- family involvement
- and long-term development over years
The message is clear:
The game is a vehicle. The real goal is helping kids become stronger humans.
A Small Pebble, A Big Ripple
Eric describes mission like a pebble thrown into water:
It starts small… then ripples expand.
He gives an example from a workshop where Dr. Thayne challenged him to imagine filling whiteboards with the interpersonal characteristics he wants teens to develop over three years.
Eric’s response is essentially:
That’s it. That’s the impact.
And you can feel it—this mission is not performative.
It’s personal.
Why Mental Health Is Finally Being Taken Seriously in Sports
Near the end, Eric makes an observation that feels very “now”:
In recent years, pro sports, colleges, and organizations are finally bringing mental health professionals into their buildings.
And he sees huge potential in combining:
- lived experience (his)
- science + structured solutions (Dr. Thayne’s)
- and community/team-based support
It’s a full-circle moment—almost 20 years after their first connection.
Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)
- Eric Kramer’s story goes beyond the end zone: loss, depression, survival, recovery, and purpose
- Healing was slow and step-by-step—not instant
- Isolation deepens depression; a “home team” reduces it
- Mission and other-focused service can be part of the recovery recipe
- Sports can be a powerful vehicle for building resilience, leadership, and mental health skills
- The ripple effect starts with small, consistent actions—and grows over time
FAQ
Who is Eric Kramer and why is his mental health story important?
Eric Kramer is a former NFL quarterback who survived a suicide attempt after major losses and depression. His story matters because it shows recovery is possible—and mission, support, and purpose can rebuild a life.
What is Mental Health Touchdown?
Mental Health Touchdown is one of Eric Kramer’s nonprofits focused on increasing mental health awareness and support, especially connected to athletes and families.
What does “home team” mean in mental health recovery?
A “home team” is a small group of trusted people you intentionally choose to support your growth—people who reinforce strengths, keep you connected, and help you stay steady when life gets hard.