NFL Films is coming to Clare next week

Posted by Admin July 11, 2024 Football

The National Football League is coming to mid-Michigan, the National Football League is coming to mid-Michigan.

This is kind of big news in mid-Michigan.

Next week NFL Films will be coming to the Brookwood Athletic Complex in Clare to do some work on a feature documentary that it is working on. The focus of the documentary is former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer.

Kramer will be in town helping out with the Legend’s Football Camp, an annual football camp in Clare that is run by retired Detroit Lions players. Former Lions wide receiver Jeff Chadwick started the camp four years ago and it’s been a success each and every year since.

This year’s coaching staff includes Kramer, Chadwick, Lomas Brown, Cory Schlesinger, Jimmy Williams, Eric Stocz, George Jamison and Ross Weaver. Legend’s Football Camp runs from July 16-18 at the Brookwood Athletic Complex. Days one and two are full, but walk-ins are still being accepted for day three. For more information email – jcfoundation1216@gmail.com.

Kramer put together a rock-solid professional career at quarterback between 1987 and 1999, playing both in the NFL and CFL. During this time frame he played with the Atlanta Falcons (1987), Calgary Stampeders (1988-1990), Detroit Lions (1991-93), Chicago Bears (1994-98) and the San Diego Chargers (1999).

In 10 NFL seasons Kramer completed 1,317 passes for 15,337 yards and 92 touchdowns versus 79 interceptions. He also rushed for 217 yards and five TDs.

During his three seasons with the Lions Kramer went 10-5 as a starter. He shared starting duties with Rodney Peete and Andre Ware during this time frame. In the 1991 playoffs Kramer led the Lions to a 38-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys as he completed a franchise-playoff record 29 passes for 341 yards and three touchdowns.

In 1994 he signed a free-agent contract with the Chicago Bears and spent the next five seasons with the Bears, starting 46 games. Kramer closed his playing career with the San Diego Chargers in 1999, playing in six games before retiring mid-season with a neck injury.

In the last two decades-plus his life has been filled with more than its share of tragedy.

He lost his son, Griffen, to a drug overdose in 2011. Kramer, who suffered from depression, then attempted suicide in 2015. Those closest to him believe all the hits he took during his playing career had something to do with his depression.

Since 2021 Kramer has been on a mission to get his story out and give hope those who battle depression. He wrote a best-selling book with journalist William Croyle entitled “The Ultimate Comeback: Surviving a Suicide Attempt, Conquering Depression and Living with a Purpose.’

The book was published last November and has been endorsed by dozens of professional athletes, coaches and broadcasters.