Erik Kramer

After a successful college career at North Carolina State University, Erik Kramer went undrafted in the 1987 NFL Draft. However, due to the players strike for the 1987 season, Kramer was called in to play quarterback as a replacement player for the Atlanta Falcons. After the strike ended, Kramer went to the Canadian Football League where he started for the Calgary Stampeders for 3 seasons. In 1991, the Detroit Lions added Kramer to their roster as a backup, but early in the season Kramer go the chance to start due to several injuries. He led the team to a 12-4 record that year, giving the team their first playoff victory since the 1950s along with a trip to the NFC Championship Game. Kramer lost his job the following year and signed with the Chicago Bears in 1994 where he set the franchise's records for single-season passing yards (3,838) and touchdowns (29). Kramer retired after 13 seasons in the NFL.

Kramer has had a remarkable journey of recovery in the years since. Dealing with the lasting effects of injuries, the loss of his son, and the death of both of his parents from cancer, he dropped into a deep depression. Kramer even attempted suicide. Fortunately, through extensive rehabilitation, he has recovered to live a productive life. Kramer shares his story as a keynote speaker and published the book, "The Ultimate Comeback: Surviving Suicide, Conquering Depression, and Living with a Purpose," in 2023.