Main content

Returning from the depths of despair

Former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer on the depths of despair and redemption

Please note: This episode contains discussions and references to mental health and drug abuse. If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org

For 10 years, quarterback Erik Kramer had it all - fame, fortune and the chance to land the NFL's biggest prize with the Detroit Lions and then the Chicago Bears. Despite the trappings that success brings, Kramer carried a burden - crushing depression that worsened following personal losses after retirement. He's been telling Sportshour's Caroline Barker about what led him to the depths of despair and redemption.

India's premier triathlete Pragnya Mohan is attempting to qualify for Paris and become the first Indian triathlete to compete at an Olympic Games. If she does, she hopes it will produce the kind of media exposure which will encourage other girls to take up professional sport in her country, despite the challenges, something she had to overcome herself. As a young girl she repaired an old abandoned bike and set to work on her dream. Now she runs a project aimed at giving every girl in India access to a bicycle

We find out about the most dominant football team you have never heard of... The women who played for them and the woman who is trying to make sure the world knows their story... back in the 1960's women were banned from playing football in the UK, but that didn't stop some teams from trying... and one team showed the way. Manchester based Corinthians. In fact, they conquered the world! Now a film is being produced to share this forgotten piece of football history. We speak to a former player and the film's producer

Photo: Erik Kramer #12 of the Chicago Bears sets up to pass against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game on September 3, 1995 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Kramer played for the Bears from 1994-1998. (Credit: Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Sat 6 Apr 2024 09:06GMT

Broadcast

  • Sat 6 Apr 2024 09:06GMT

Podcast